Astros Claim Jorge Barrosa

The Astros announced that outfielder Jorge Barrosa has been claimed off waivers from the Diamondbacks. In corresponding moves for the 28-man and 40-man rosters, Houston optioned outfielder Jake Meyers to Triple-A and moved right-hander Mike Burrows from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL. The D’Backs designated Barrosa for assignment two days ago, officially ending Barrosa’s 11-plus years in the Arizona organization.

Barrosa has experience at all three outfield positions and has been used mostly as a center fielder, with public defensive metrics giving him plus marks. While not delivering much from either side of the plate over his career, Barrosa has done decently well against left-handed pitching this year. Outfield production remains an issue for the Astros, and Barrosa will join the patchwork outfield mix.

Burrows has been on the 15-day IL since July 7, having missed the equivalent of a 60-day IL stint. Initially sidelined due to right elbow neuritis, Burrows later developed right shoulder inflammation after throwing three minor league rehab outings, as manager Joe Espada stated.

Burrows is expected to be re-examined at the Astros’ Spring Training facility soon to provide a better idea of a recovery timeline. Acquired from the Pirates last offseason, Burrows has struggled to a 5.99 ERA over 94 2/3 innings in his first year in Houston.