Welcome to the Launch Briefing, a daily feature, where you will find a roundup of news and interesting stories from the Astros clubhouse and from around the league.
Discuss and share in the comments!
It’s the Wednesday Launch!
Houston Astros News
Astros lose offensive help to college ball (NYT)
Is Abreu becoming a useful tool again? (HC)
Arrighetti exits after one inning (CBS)
Houston signs Thaiss (YS)
AL West News
Angels hope to add catching help (TR)
Jansen may need UCL surgery (TR)
Rangers resign Veneziano (NBC)
MLB News
Brewers DFA Shewmake (ESPN)
Phillies adding Keller (CBS)
Pomeranz elects free agency (YS)
Barger set for season-ending injury
Pirates designate Urquidy (NBC)
Houston Astros birthdays
RHP Larry Sherry (91, died in 2006 at 71)
LHP Fred Scherman (82)
IF Mick Kelleher (79)
RHP Doug Drabek (64)
LHP Billy Wagner (55)
OF Alex Presley (41)
C Korey Lee (28, Chicago White Sox)
Feature photo from Astros on X, Source Link
“Thaiss profiles best as an emergency Triple-A depth option or a third-catcher insurance piece at the MLB level. His high baseball IQ and exceptional walk-to-strikeout approach give him a floor as a competent defensive backup, but his offensive limitations prevent him from holding down a regular starting job.”
Can always be used to help the AAA pitchers as well.
Thaiss sounds like a Salazar replacement.