Astros Activate Taylor Trammell From Injured List

The Houston Astros have reinstated outfielder Taylor Trammell from the injured list after a four-month absence due to a right calf injury sustained in spring training. Trammell, who was acquired from the New York Yankees in December for cash considerations, began a rehab assignment in early June and played 12 games in the minors, batting .293 with two home runs and 10 RBIs. He is expected to serve primarily as a reserve outfielder, providing the Astros with a much-needed left-handed bat amid injuries to key players like Yordan Alvarez and Chas McCormick. Manager Joe Espada plans to use Trammell mainly in left field to give other outfielders rest and add lineup flexibility. Trammell has a career .167 batting average with 16 home runs and 39 RBIs over 126 major-league games, and he has experience playing all three outfield positions. The Astros' roster move included optioning infielder Shay Whitcomb to Triple-A Sugar Land to open a spot for Trammell.