Astros send Taylor Trammell to minors, but roster decisions remain before Opening Day

Houston's outfield picture grows clearer, but battle for final roster spot remains

Mar. 22, 2026 at 4:37pm

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The Houston Astros have reassigned veteran outfielder Taylor Trammell to the minor leagues, which should bode well for the chances of Zach Cole and Joey Loperfido to make the Opening Day roster. However, the emergence of Brice Matthews as a legitimate outfield option has created a fascinating decision for the Astros' baseball operations staff, as they weigh factors like Grapefruit League statistics and the status of injured shortstop Jeremy Peña.

Why it matters

The Astros' outfield composition is a crucial decision as they finalize their roster for the start of the season. With Peña's injury status still uncertain, the team must balance their options and determine the best combination of players to field a competitive team, while also considering the long-term development of their prospects.

The details

If Peña is ready for Opening Day, the Astros would only have two spots open for three players - Cole, Loperfido, and Matthews - who are all in the outfield mix. Matthews has impressed in Grapefruit League play, batting .257/.395/.429 with eight stolen bases, but the Astros must decide whether to carry both him and Cole, which could limit their playing time. Loperfido, a 26-year-old veteran, is likely exempt from this consideration.

  • Peña resumed hitting this weekend and has not been ruled out for Opening Day.
  • The Astros play two exhibition games against Triple-A Sugar Land on Monday and Tuesday, but it is unclear if Peña will be in the lineup or travel back to Houston.
  • The Astros must finalize their roster decisions by Wednesday.

The players

Taylor Trammell

A veteran outfielder who has been reassigned to the minor leagues by the Astros.

Zach Cole

An outfielder in the mix for the final roster spot, known for his left-handed bat but has struggled with offensive consistency in Grapefruit League play.

Joey Loperfido

A 26-year-old outfielder with 122 major-league games under his belt, who is also in the mix for the final roster spot.

Brice Matthews

A legitimate outfield option who has impressed the Astros with his performance in Grapefruit League play, including a .257/.395/.429 batting line and eight stolen bases.

Jeremy Peña

The Astros' injured shortstop, who fractured his right ring finger on March 4 and is working to be ready for Opening Day.

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What they’re saying

“If I get into a game and I feel like my swing is ready to go, then that's all I need. For me, it's a feel thing.”

— Jeremy Peña

“Spring training statistics are often meaningless, but Espada said earlier in camp he would weigh them when making outfield roster decisions.”

— Joe Espada, Manager

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The Astros' outfield composition is a crucial decision as they finalize their roster for the start of the season, with factors like Peña's injury status, Grapefruit League performance, and long-term player development all playing a role in the team's final choices.