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Astros Make Christian Walker Announcement Amid Losing Streak

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 4:09 PM ET

Veteran first baseman Christian Walker is back, and he's ready to help the Houston Astros end their three-game losing streak.

Houston activated Walker from the paternity list before this weekend's matchup with the rival Texas Rangers. Cleveland swept the Walker-less Astros in Houston earlier this week.

The Astros optioned infielder Shay Whitcomb to Triple-A Sugar Land in the corresponding move. Whitcomb is 1-for-19 this year, though the lone hit was a homer.

It's been a frustrating season for Walker, who is hitting .234 with 12 home runs and 45 RBIs in 364 plate appearances. However, he's posted -0.5 bWAR, and his .678 is his lowest since 2020.

Things might be improving, though. Walker batted .464 with two homers, eight RBIs, and a 1.161 OPS in 29 July plate appearances. We'll see if he continues that scorching start and carries that momentum into the second half.

Either way, Walker has two years and $40 million remaining on the contract he signed last offseason. One must wonder if the Astros are regretting bringing the 34-year-old Walker on that kind of deal, but it's funny how the thought of a championship would, shall we say, redeem Walker's contract.

Luckily for Walker, he's still on pace to see postseason action for only the third time in 11 seasons. The 55-38 Astros still hold a 6 1/2-game lead over the Seattle Mariners.

Houston has won the AL West in eight of the last nine years.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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