The Houston Astros have made a strategic roster move by bringing infielder Braden Shewmake into the fold, filling the gap left by Nick Allen, who has been sidelined with back spasms. Allen’s stint on the injured list is retroactive to April 19th, creating an opportunity for Shewmake to step up. To accommodate this change, the Astros have also transferred right-hander Cristian Javier to the 60-day injured list, opening up a spot on the 40-man roster.
Shewmake, 28, was a recent acquisition from the Yankees, who had previously removed him from their 40-man roster. His transition to the Astros seemed like a natural fit to replace Allen as a bench infielder, a prediction that has now come to fruition.
Both Shewmake and Allen are known for their defensive prowess, though their offensive contributions have been modest. Shewmake’s major league experience includes a .118/.127/.191 batting line over 71 plate appearances.
While his Triple-A stats are slightly better at .241/.305/.384, they still reflect a below-average performance with a 78 wRC+. However, Shewmake brings speed and versatility to the table, having swiped 52 bases in 303 Triple-A games, with an impressive success rate of only four caught stealing.
His defensive versatility spans shortstop, second, and third base.
The Astros began the season with a crowded infield, but injuries have reshuffled the lineup. With shortstop Jeremy Peña on the injured list, Carlos Correa has shifted from third base to shortstop, allowing Isaac Paredes to cover third. Shewmake’s role will likely mirror Allen’s, serving as a late-game defensive substitute and providing flexibility across the infield.
Cristian Javier’s move to the 60-day IL stems from a shoulder strain that initially placed him on the 15-day IL. This adjustment means Javier won’t be eligible to return until early June.
General Manager Dana Brown had previously anticipated Javier and fellow pitcher Hunter Brown to recover from their shoulder issues by late May to early June. While Javier’s return to the majors is now delayed, a minor league rehab assignment remains a possibility, with a maximum duration of 30 days for pitchers.
As the Astros navigate these roster changes, they’ll be looking for Shewmake to make the most of his opportunity, while keeping an eye on the health and return of their key players.
