Barb

[Francys Romero @FrancysRomero]

The Houston Astros interviewed Oz Ocampo for an executive position within their front office, per sources.

Ocampo was previously an assistant GM with the Miami Marlins and is currently a Senior Advisor with the Colorado Rockies.

[Barb @ShookByCook]

@ryanbokros The “on and on” is like that for me too. I have to mute him sometimes. I’d prefer the “less is more” approach.⚾️

[Barb @ShookByCook]

@jakedc6 Well said ⚾️👍🏻

[Javier Gonzalez @Astros_Coverage]

Astros 40-Man Roster

Players set to become free agents: Bryan Abreu, Steven Okert, Daulton Varsho, Christian Vazquez, Enyel De Los Santos, and LaMonte Wade Jr.

Tatsuya Imai has an opt-out clause in his contract, and the Astros hold a one-year option on Ryan Weiss's contract (Weiss is not currently on the 40-man roster, and the team obviously will not exercise the option). Houston also holds a one-year option on Isaac Paredes's contract; however, even if they did not exercise it, the player would remain under team control due to having less than six years of service time. In any case, the option value is lower than what he could earn in potential arbitration should the Astros decline it, so I believe picking up Paredes's option is a no-brainer for the front office.

Players in their final year of team control: Jeremy Peña, Isaac Paredes, Christian Walker, Peter Lambert, and Cristian Javier.

[Barb @ShookByCook]

@SanAntonioTim That thought crossed my mind last night when I saw him in the Yankee dugout. ⚾️

[Barb @ShookByCook]

@PCreighton1 @fangraphs Thanks for this. No manager is perfect. Decisions are based on many things that fans have no knowledge of like analytics, player availability, payroll etc. Between injuries and roster roulette, I think he did a good job.

[Barb @ShookByCook]

@jakedc6 If it’s the Brewers-Lance McCullers Jr gets another ring. Also Colton Gordon-still on their 40 man-who was traded there with him. ⚾️

[Barb @ShookByCook]

@SanAntonioTim @ericpgirard You are correct SA-Tim-the only arbitration eligible ones are on that list. You’re also correct -Christian Vasquez had signed a minor league deal initially and after this season, he’s an unrestricted free agent for 2027.

[Barb @ShookByCook]

@AdamJWexler That’s what 66% solo HR’s will do for a team ranking.

[Barb @ShookByCook]

@WillKunkelV Adding to the 66% Solo HR rate this season⚾️

[Thomas Nestico @TJStats]

Miguel Ullola's 4-Seam Fastball was the Highest Grading tjStuff+ Pitch from yesterday

[Thomas Nestico @TJStats]

Daily tjStuff+ Relievers Leaders
2026-09-29
Min. 10 Pitches

1) Josh Hader - 112
2) Miguel Ullola - 112
3) Grant Taylor - 109

[Barb @ShookByCook]

@LiveSCS Plus he won the AL gold glove as a first baseman last year.

[Bob Nightengale @BNightengale]

The umpiring crews for the Wild Card Series

[Barb @ShookByCook]

@MicrophoneMilo Actually not July-here’s his BA and OBP for each month. Basically not
much offense since June ⚾️

[Barb @ShookByCook]

@DANMATHEWSHOU I saw an interview with AJ today. He said he called Kate to discuss some options for JV’s exit from the final game.

[Barb @ShookByCook]

@SleeperAstros I hope he’s traveling on the taxi squad with the team. ⚾️

[Barb @ShookByCook]

@ryanbokros @astros869 Saw this posted today-the past 8 weeks.

[Barb @ShookByCook]

@jakedc6 Check out Shay Whitcomb with the Giants. After a 2 for 27 start there in 8 August games (0.74) he’s now hitting .302 (13 for 43 with 5 K’s) in 15 September games. I wonder how much playing full time has helped these guys.

[Jesús Cano @Jesus_Cano88]

Braves starters this weekend vs. the Houston Astros

Friday — Tyler Mahle
Saturday — Grant Holmes
Sunday — Martín Pérez

Chris Sale is being pushed back to the Reds series. He’s not dealing with anything — so no need to panic.