Inside the Astros

Astros Recall Shay Whitcomb As Possible Precursor to Player Heading to Injured List

With Shay Whitcomb rejoining the Houston Astros, another move has to be made.
Kenneth Teape|
Aug 26, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Shay Whitcomb (10) hits a two-RBI double against the Philadelphia Phillies during the fourth inning at Citizens Bank Park.
Aug 26, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Shay Whitcomb (10) hits a two-RBI double against the Philadelphia Phillies during the fourth inning at Citizens Bank Park. | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

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Houston Astros

The injury bug has hit the Houston Astros hard with 13 players currently residing on the injured list.

Starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. -- who was placed on the IL because of a sprained foot -- was one of the most recent additions. He joined fellow starting pitchers Spencer Arrighetti, Ronel Blanco and Hayden Wesneski who have gotten hurt in-season.

On the positional player side of things, outfielder Jacob Melton suffered a sprained ankle that set in motion some changes to the lineup.

More News: Astros Mounting Injury Woes Should Greatly Concern Team Moving Forward

One of the players who was sent down to the minor leagues as part of the shake up was Shay Whitcomb.

However, his stay on the farm was a short one, as it was reported by Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston that he was being recalled by the team on Tuesday night.

Some context to the situation was added by Chandler Rome of The Athletic, who shared that Whitcomb’s promotion has to come as a result of another one of his teammates suffering an injury and heading to the IL.

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Because he was sent down to Triple-A only three days ago, the only way he could make a return to the big league club is to replace someone who got hurt.

There was some speculation that Luis Guillorme, who was recently called up to the Major Leagues, could be the player who was going on the injured list after hurting his hip the night before.

But, he made an appearance in the game on Tuesday, taking one at-bat and playing second base as a late-game replacement.

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The only position players who didn’t get into the Astros’ 13-3 victory over the Athletics on Tuesday was backup catcher Victor Caratini and second baseman Brendan Rodgers.

One of them could be the latest players to fall victim to the injury bug which would allow Whitcomb to come back to Houston.

For more Astros news, head over to Astros On SI.

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Kenneth Teape
KENNETH TEAPE

Kenneth Teape is an alumnus of SUNY Old Westbury and graduated in 2013 with an Honors Degree in Media Communications with a focus on print journalism. During his time at Old Westbury, he worked for the school newspaper and several online publications, such as Knicks Now, the official website of the New York Knicks, and a self-made website with fellow students, Gotham City Sports News. Kenneth has also been a site expert at Empire Writes Back, Musket Fire, and Lake Show Life within the FanSided Network. He was a contributor to HoopsHabit, with work featured on Bleacher Report and Yardbarker. In addition to his work here, he is a reporter for both NBA Analysis Network and NFL Analysis Network, as well as a writer and editor for Packers Coverage. You can follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @teapester725, or reach him via email at teapester725@gmail.com.

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