Astros remove Steven Okert, add Joey Loperfido to playoff roster

The Houston Astros finalized their wild-card playoff roster ahead of the series against the Chicago White Sox, excluding reliever Steven Okert due to a hamstring injury. Okert had missed the last month of the season and was not ready for activation. Outfielder Joey Loperfido, who played mostly at Triple-A Sugar Land in the second half, made the roster. The Astros include pitchers Tatsuya Imai and Josh Hendrickson, alongside closer Josh Hader, in a 12-man pitching staff. With infielder Raynel Delgado also included, the team is prepared for versatility with players like Jose Altuve potentially designated to hit as they navigate playoff strategies.

• 4:37 PMYahoo Sports — Astros wild-card playoff roster: Reliever Steven Okert is off and outfielder Joey Loperfido is on