Angels claim Astros outfielder off waivers

The Angels claimed outfielder Dillon Thomas off waivers from the Astros on Monday.

The Houston Astros designated Dillon Thomas for assignment Friday after only claiming him nine days prior from the Los Angeles Angels. The outfielder played five games for Triple-A Sugar Land, slashing four hits in 15 at-bats.

Thomas was designated for assignment to open a 40-man roster spot for Jake Meyers. Meyers returned from the 60-day injured list where he was placed to add Thomas to the roster nearly two weeks prior.

The lefty roped one double and one home run in his limited play, striking out four times to his lone walk. Thomas played innings at all three outfield positions for the Space Cowboys but now returns to Triple-A Salt Lake City where he was before his first DFA.

Manager Dusty Baker will bring his staff and an honorary coach to Los Angeles.

The 2022 American League All-Star Game manager, Dusty Baker will bring the Astros’ staff to Dodger Stadium. Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reported Monday four-time All-Star Willie Horton will serve as an honorary coach for Baker.

Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez lead their positions in American League All-Star voting.

Major League Baseball announced its second All-Star fan vote update Monday. Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez led the way with over one million votes apiece at their respective positions. The top two at each position and top six from outfielders advance to Phase 2.

At catcher, Martin Maldonado sits in fourth with 376,093 votes, while Toronto Blue Jays’ Alejandro Kirk leads the way with 1,857,670. Yuli Gurriel is fourth among first basemen, and Alex Bregman ranks fifth of the third basemen.

Jeremy Peña dropped to fourth among shortstop, trailing the leader — Bo Bichette — by nearly 600,000 votes. In the outfield, Michael Brantley and Kyle Tucker sit at ninth and 10th, respectively, with Chas McCormick holding on at 15th.