League: MLB Sport: Baseball Country: United States Category: Transactions

Astros claim Nelson Velazquez from Cardinals, DFA Shay Whitcomb

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 10, 2026, 8:00 PM

Last updated Aug 10, 2026

Astros claim Nelson Velazquez from Cardinals, DFA Shay Whitcomb

Summary

The Houston Astros have claimed outfielder Nelson Velazquez off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals as of August 10, 2026. To create a roster spot, the Astros designated utility player Shay Whitcomb for assignment. Velazquez, 27, possesses experience in all three outfield positions and had a batting average of.216 with the Cardinals this season. In Triple-A, he batted.232. Conversely, Whitcomb, also 27, has struggled to find consistent playing time, recording only 96 at-bats across three seasons with the Astros, while performing well in Triple-A this year. His low MLB opportunity has hindered his development within the organization.

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Key Details

•Astros claim Nelson Velazquez off waivers from Cardinals.
•Shay Whitcomb designated for assignment to make roster space.
•Velazquez batted.216 in MLB and.232 in Triple-A this season.
•Whitcomb had limited MLB at-bats with 96 in three seasons.
•Whitcomb performed well in Triple-A, batting.274 with 52 RBI.

Latest Updates

8:00 PMYahoo Sports — Astros Claim OF Nelson Velazquez Off Waivers, DFA Whitcomb

What they're saying

"
The Houston Texans announced they have claimed OF Nelson Velazquez off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals. To clear a spot for him on the 40-man roster, they have designated UT Shay Whitcomb for assignment. Velazquez, 27, is a right-handed hitting outfielder with experience at all three outfield spots. He was batting .216 with a […]
— Yahoo Sports

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Arizona Diamondbacks Houston Astros St. Louis Cardinals MLB Baseball