Astros Recall Slugger to Big League Roster, Isaac Paredes to Bereavement List

On Friday afternoon, before the Houston Astros game against the Athletics, Isaac Paredes was added to the bereavement list. This list is used when a player is unable to play for up to three consecutive days due to an immediate family member passing away.

Shay Whitcomb will replace Paredes on the active roster until his return. Paredes was hitting .227/.346/.409 with four doubles and five RBI through his first six games.

Whitcomb has spent some time in the big leagues before, but it didn't go as planned. Between 40 games across the 2024-25 seasons, Whitcomb batted .178/.231/.219 for the Astros.

Astros’ Secret Slugger Has Insane Power Ready To Be Showcased Worldwide

Jul 29, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Shay Whitcomb (10) hits an infield single during the sixth i — Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

His big league stats are nothing to get excited about, but he has a high ceiling with loads of power. He's hit 127 career minor league homers over the last five seasons, including a 35-homer, 102-RBI season in 2023.

If you only see his .485 career slugging percentage and .819 OPS, you may be confused, but Whitcomb's main problem has been strikeouts. He owns a 25% strikeout rate over the last three minor league seasons. Last year, he struck out 120 times over 108 games.

His high strikeout rate is frustrating, but he's certainly earned an opportunity, albeit in a terrible circumstance this time around. On top of his elite power, he can steal bases. He stole a career-high 30 bases during his first minor league season and has stolen roughly 20 a year since.

To begin this season, he's batting .308/.333/.577 with two homers, seven RBI, and has struck out 10 times over six games. The 27-year-old plays all over the diamond and doesn't stick to one spot. He played at least 20 games at second, third, and left field last season, with an additional 12+ games at first base and right field.

Isaac Paredes Will Miss up to Three Consecutive Games

Mar 27, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros designated hitter Isaac Paredes (15) reacts after a called third strike dur — Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

During his seven-game stint on Team Korea in the World Baseball Classic, he split time between first and third, with one inning at shortstop. Paredes played third base in four of his six games this season, so look for him to make an appearance there.

It would be great for Whitcomb to be promoted for an extended period of time under different circumstances, but he's here regardless. If he plays this weekend, he'll have a small chance to shine before going back to Triple-A Sugar Land.

Once the roster is back to normal, it will only be time before Whitcomb gets another shot. He'll continue to produce, and he's clearly one injury or move away from an extended stay in the big leagues at some point this season.