At this point in the MLB regular season, teams are still making moves to their rosters, whether that be calling up prospects or vets from the minor leagues, or designating underperforming players for assignment.
The Houston Astros have been busy over the past week with roster moves, as they are slowly getting healthy, especially on the mound. The Astros saw Cristian Javier make his 2025 debut on Monday after rehabbing from Tommy John surgery last week.
To make room for Javier on the roster, the Astros sent outfielder Cooper Hummel packing, and they also optioned Colton Gordon back to the minors, who was a prime candidate to be sent down.
For players in Hummel's situation, the hope is that they return to the farm system. However, they could also try their luck in free agency. A former Astros minor league pitcher was able to find his next opportunity after getting released by Houston’s Triple-A squad on Tuesday.
Source: RHP Nick Robertson has signed a minor league with the Kansas City #Royals
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) August 13, 2025
Robertson spent much of this season pitching for the #Astros Triple-A team.
He has a 4.25 ERA in 36 IP in the PCL. pic.twitter.com/bGvA4KXMsn
Former Astros Reliever Nick Robertson Signs With Kansas City Royals
On Tuesday night, Ari Alexander of KPRC-2 reported that right-handed reliever Nick Robertson signed a minor league deal with the Kansas City Royals.
The 27-year-old pitcher has spent most of the 2025 season at Triple-A Sugar Land, which is the Astros’ affiliate.
Robertson was released after getting outrighted to the minors at the beginning of the month by Houston. The right-handed hurler was designated for assignment by the Stros on July 25, but obviously didn’t get picked up by another team.
In 34 games with the Space Cowboys, Robertson had a 4.25 ERA with 10 holds and three saves (four save opportunities). The 6-foot-6 pitcher held opponents to a .192 average at the plate and did a good job of keeping the ball in the yard (three home runs allowed).
Robertson recorded 38 strikeouts while also giving up 26 walks, 25 hits, and 17 earned runs in 36 innings of work. He originally joined the organization on April 1 when Houston acquired him in a trade from the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Blue Jays designated Robertson for assignment on Opening Day (March 27), but were able to find a trade partner for him. The righty hasn’t pitched in the majors since the 2024 season, so that’s his goal with the Royals.
At this stage of the season, Robertson could push for a September call-up if he can lower his ERA and walks with the Royals’ Triple-A affiliate. However, if Robertson doesn’t get called up, he still needs to pitch well to get another chance at a major league deal in the offseason.