Astros claim utility infielder Jacob Wilson from the A’s

The Houston Astros claim utility infielder Jacob Wilson from the Oakland A’s.

With a lack of minor-league infield depth, the Houston Astros claimed Jacob Wilson off waivers from the Oakland A’s. Alex Bregman was scratched from the lineup for the Sugar Land Skeeters on Monday, and with Abraham Toro out of the picture, the Astros added Wilson, who has minor-league options.

As a corresponding move, Tyler Ivey was finally placed on the 60-day injured list, removing him from the 40-man roster. The right-hander service clock will start to tick again, which wasn’t an anticipated move by the front office up to this point.

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Wilson was designated for assignment by the A’s on July 30, as his former employer was making roster moves to add new acquisitions. The right-hander has only appeared in six games this season with only one hit in seven at-bats. His late-game defensive replacement role wasn’t needed in the eyes of the A’s, as he was exposed to waivers.

With Robel Garcia struggling and Taylor Jones limited to the corner infield spots, the Astros get an optionable infielder. Wilson has played second base, third base and left field recently, while his shortstop days are behind him.

The 31-year-old was immediately optioned to Triple-A, where he joins an already loaded core of infielders in Sugar Land. Playing time will start to shift each day, but the Astros now have three utility players with options on the 40-man roster.

In regards to the Astros’ players on waivers, right-handed pitcher Nivaldo Rodriguez was claimed by the Detroit Tigers. Rodriguez never pitched for AJ Hinch, but the Astros’ former manager now has this optionable right-hander at disposal.