Astros call up .575 OPS outfielder to replace injured former Mariners prospect

The Houston Astros made a notable change to the roster before last night's game against the Cleveland Guardians. 

Outfielder Taylor Trammell was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left groin strain. 

Taking Trammell's place on the roster is five-year Major League veteran Daniel Johnson. He entered Tuesday's game as a defensive replacement and walked and was hit by a pitch in two plate appearances. 

Before receiving the call, Johnson had signed a minor league contract with the Astros just a few days prior. The 30-year-old has appeared in a total of 68 Major League games since the start of 2020, hitting .196/.253/.322 with five home runs. 

"Even if he doesn’t provide much with the bat, he can be useful in other ways," Darragh McDonald of MLB Trade Rumors wrote about Johnson. "His sprint speed was ranked in the 94th percentile of qualified big leaguers last year, and his glovework has been well regarded." 

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Johnson's stint with the Astros may be short-lived, but he's a player with experience who can be relied upon to play solid defense and maybe steal a base or two while Trammell is out. 

Houston also recently promoted shortstop Braden Shewmake to replace the injured Nick Allen on the roster. 

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