Astros roster moves bring in LaMonte Wade Jr., Collin Price

At Daikin Park in Houston, the Astros made a pair of roster moves that could reshape their bench mix in the short term. The club added veteran first baseman and outfielder LaMonte Wade Jr. and selected catcher Collin Price to the major league roster for his first MLB call-up.

Those moves matter because Houston is trying to patch together depth while navigating injuries and lineup turnover. Wade arrives with big league experience and a patient approach at the plate, while Price gives the Astros a fresh option behind the dish after climbing through the farm system.

Astros roster moves add experience and a first-time call-up

Wade, 31, has spent parts of seven seasons in the majors and is best known for his work with the Giants. He has played first base and the outfield, giving manager Joe Espada another left-handed bat who can move around the diamond. Houston signed him as the front office searched for help on the active roster.

Price gets the headline moment of the day. The 26-year-old catcher earned his first trip to the majors after working his way through the Astros' minor league system. For any player, that first call carries weight. For Houston, it also fills an immediate depth need at a demanding position.

Price was an undrafted free agent signing by the Astros in 2021 after playing at the University of Houston and Iona. His path has not been fast or flashy. He has kept moving, one level at a time, and now gets a chance to join the big league clubhouse.

Why the Astros made these changes now

Houston has been forced to juggle spots on the roster as the season moves into its grind. The Astros roster moves reflect a practical approach. Wade gives the team a veteran who has handled major league pitching, and Price gives the staff another catcher option without reaching outside the organization.

Wade's offensive profile has value for a lineup that has searched for steadier production from the bottom half. He has shown on-base skills in the majors, and that trait tends to travel even when roles change. The Astros do not need him to carry the order. They need competitive at-bats and defensive flexibility.

Price's promotion also lands as a reward for performance and persistence. Catchers often develop on a slower timeline because the position asks for so much. Houston now gets to see how his game translates at the top level, even if the role starts small.

What comes next in Houston

The Astros will sort out how both players fit as the next series approaches at Daikin Park. Wade brings the clearer track record, while Price arrives with the energy that comes with a first call-up and a chance to stick.

Houston's roster can change quickly this time of year, so these decisions may not be the last shuffle. For now, the Astros have added one proven major leaguer and one homegrown catcher getting his first shot in the big leagues.

This article is a summary of reporting by AP News. Read the full story here.