Astros boost infield depth with big Rays trade

The Houston Astros got better in the infield this week, as they made a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays to acquire Raynel Delgado.

“The Tampa Bay Rays have traded minor league INF Raynel Delgado to the Houston Astros in exchange for cash considerations,” the Rays wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Delgado is set to be assigned to Triple-A Sugar Land and has yet to play in the major leagues. The left-hander was drafted by the Cleveland Guardians in 2018 and has played all four infield positions in the minors. He has a .267/.351/.384 slash line in 383 career games.

With Nick Allen and Braden Shewmake on the injured list, Delgado will serve as upper-level infield depth for the team. Allen was placed on the IL earlier in the week because of a hamstring strain, and Shewmake is on the list with an adductor strain. It’s uncertain when either player will return, but they’re making progress.

As for the entire team, the Astros are looking to make upgrades in other areas, and MLB insider Ken Rosenthal believes they could be buyers before the deadline.