The Houston Astros are marching towards the 2025 MLB trade deadline with the best record in the American League West. Things have been bumpy for the Astros ever since this year's All-Star break ended, and it wouldn't be surprising to learn if the front office wants to add another bat or arm to help get Joe Espada's club back on track.
With names like Cristian Javier and Lance McCullers Jr. on the injured list, adding a starting pitcher in the coming days could be one of the Astros' top priorities. Interestingly enough, Houston might be adding a name to its starting rotation soon, and it's one whom Astros fans are more than familiar with.
Astros RHP Spencer Arrighetti Nearing Return from Injury as Trade Deadline Looms
Right-handed hurler Spencer Arrighetti is someone whom Astros fans haven't seen much of this season. The 25-year-old starter hasn't pitched since early April due to a broken thumb, and has been working hard to get off the 60-day injured list ever since then. He's started his rehab in the last few weeks, and it looks like he's almost ready to get back on the mound in Houston.
On Saturday, Astros general manager Dana Brown hinted that Arrighetti could be back in the fold within the coming days.
"Arrighetti will make another rehab start, and if all goes well, is expected to re-join the big league club after that," SportsTalk 790 reported.
Injury Updates from @Astros GM Dana Brown, talking with @raford3 during pregame:
— SportsTalk 790 (@SportsTalk790) July 27, 2025
- Spencer Arrighetti will make another rehab start, and if all goes well, is expected to re-join the big league club after that.
- Cristian Javier will be "shortly after him"
- Brown thinks Jeremy…
Since starting his rehab, Arrighetti has pitched 6 1/3 innings across two starts with Double-A Corpus Christi. He struck out six batters while only giving up two earned runs on five hits during that stretch, resulting in a respectable 2.84 ERA. A third performance on a similar level could see him back with the Astros before the first week of August is over.
A sixth-round pick by Houston in 2021, Arrighetti finally made his MLB debut in 2024. The Albuquerque, NM native went 7-13 with a 4.53 ERA across 29 appearances (28 starts) with the Astros last season, which included averaging 10.6 strikeouts per nine innings while holding opponents to a .121 batting average and .529 OPS.
With how ravaged the Astros' rotation is by injuries, getting a healthy Arrighetti back is something worth being excited about. The young hurler has shown glimpses of potential early in his MLB career, and Houston's rotation could be taken to the next level if he lives up to the hype.
Sometimes, the best acquisitions around the trade deadline are those that come in-house. Getting Arrighetti back won't cost the Astros any prospects or cash, and his making the most of his return could play a big role in any success Houston sees this fall.