Friday marks the start of the Houston Astros' final series before the MLB All-Star breakas they're set to host the Texas Rangers at Daikin Park. The Astros could use some wins as they head into the Rangers series on a three-game losing streak. Fortunately, they'll be getting some help as they look to end their bad luck.
On Thursday, the Astros announced that star first baseman Christian Walker has been activated from the paternity list. The 34-year-old slugger missed Houston's last three games — the most a player can miss while on paternity leave — and will do his best to help stop the skid before it worsens.
Having said that, Walker couldn't be activated without someone being sent packing..
Astros Option OF Shay Whitcomb as Christian Walker Returns From Paternity List
The Athletic's Chandler Rome is reporting that the Astros have demoted outfielder Shay Whitcomb to make room for Walker's return. The former 2020 fifth-round pick will report to Triple-A Sugar Land, where he'll do his best to rediscover his groove.
The Astros optioned Shay Whitcomb to Triple-A and reinstated Christian Walker from the paternity list. Walker could only spend a maximum of three days on the paternity list, hence doing this on an off day.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) July 10, 2025
The truth is that the writing was on the wall for Whitcomb for quite some time. He's been recalled from Sugar Land three times since the 2025 campaign began and struggled to hit the baseball each time, tallying only one home run and an RBI while slashing .053/.053/.211 in 12 games (19 at-bats). His 31.6% strikeout rate didn't do him any favors, either.
Hopefully, a return to the Space Cowboys will help Whitcomb sort things out. He's batting .280 with a .942 OPS, 19 HRs, and 43 RBIs in 60 Triple-A outings, and returning to that form sooner rather than later could see him promoted again before the season is over.
In the meantime, Astros fans are hoping to see Walker turn back the clock as he returns. The two-time 30-HR hitter has been disappointing after joining Houston on a three-year, $60 million contract in the offseason, registering only 12 HRs, 45 RBIs, a .234/.294/.384 slash line, and a minus-0.5 WAR in his first 87 outings.
It can take time for a player, even a veteran, to adjust to new surroundings. Walker's bat catching fire after the All-Star break would not only be great for his season but also a massive boost for an Astros club looking to win their first World Series since 2022.