Feb 26, 2025; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; Houston Astros outfielder Cooper Hummel (1) tosses the bat after hitting a double to left field during the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images

Astros Calling Up Outfielder Who Was Their Spring Training Standout

Originally posted on Houston Astros on SI
By Nick Ziegler | Last updated Jun 14, 2025 11:39 AM ET

As the Houston Astros continue to play some great baseball, they have recently selected the contract of a player who will hopefully help them in the outfield.

While the Astros have had a great season so far, they need a boost offensively.

With veterans like Yordan Alvarez injured and Christian Walker and Jose Altuve struggling, the unit has been lackluster at times.

Fortunately, youngsters Isaac Paredes and Jeremy Pena have been good enough to cover up for some of the issues.

One position in particular that has been an issue is in the outfield.

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The experiment to have Altuve transition to left field hasn’t worked out well, and with Jacob Melton going down with an ankle injury on Friday night, Houston decided selected the contract of Cooper Hummel to seemingly replace the rookie.

SOURCE: The #Astros are calling up UTIL Cooper Hummel. pic.twitter.com/8ldSKxAQtf
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) June 14, 2025

2025 has been a wild time for Hummel.

The slugger was designated for assignment by the Astros ahead of Opening Day, and he has had some cups of coffee with both the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees.

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Now, he is back with Houston and might be getting a chance to prove himself.

Even though he has bounced around, he hasn’t had many opportunities in the Majors. However, the 30-year-old has slashed .273/.382/.473 in the minors this campaign coming off his breakout showing in spring training where he slashed .316/.435/.447, so he might be able to provide a much-needed spark on offense for the Astros.

If Hummel’s hitting can translate to the Majors, there could be plenty of at-bats for him in the outfield.

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Houston is searching for someone to step up, and Hummel is getting his shot before the front office weighs external options before the trade deadline.

For more Astros news, head over to Astros On SI.

This article first appeared on Houston Astros on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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