Héctor Neris and Cooper Hummel elected free agency after Houston Astros outrighted them, parting ways rather than accept minor-league assignments. Hummel was designated for assignment to clear a 40-man roster spot for Cristian Javier, while Neris was DFA’d to accommodate Shawn Dubin’s return from the 60-day IL. Both players cleared waivers and were outrighted to Triple-A Sugar Land, triggering rent-free agency options for players with enough MLB service time to reject an outright assignment.

Neris posted a 5.40 ERA across 12 appearances in his third stint with Houston, carrying a 5.26 ERA in 33 total MLB outings this season with Braves and Angels also on his ledger. Hummel slashed .172/.301/.276 in 36 games for Houston, with a separate one MLB game for Baltimore this year. The moves reflect roster management as Houston reshapes its bullpen and 40-man, while Javier remains a central piece of the Astros’ immediate future.

Fantasy angles center on Neris’ veteran bullpen upside and how teams will value his experience after ten MLB service years, and on Hummel’s versatility as a switch-hitting bench option who can fill multiple infield roles. Javier’s ongoing presence on the 40-man roster underscores Houston’s commitment to depth, while the 40-man churn provides a reminder that rosters and call-ups continue to redefine late-season and off-season fantasy value across MLB.

The Astros reshaped their roster, optioning Colton Gordon to Sugar Land to clear a spot for Cristian Javier, who was activated to start the series opener with Boston. Cooper Hummel was designated for assignment to create 40-man space. Jacob Melton, Houston's top outfield prospect, was recalled to join the active roster. Gordon will continue to stretch out in Triple-A as Houston positions its pitching depth with injuries easing.

Gordon, 26, debuted in mid-May and logged 13 starts and a single relief appearance across 66⅔ innings, posting a 5.27 ERA. The plan is to keep him stretched out and ready for a potential return in late August or September if needed. The club also activated Spencer Arrighetti last week, adding to a rotation once decimated by injuries. Melton’s arrival gives the Astros another youthful bat on the roster as they navigate a busy stretch run against the Red Sox.

Yankee Stadium’s Old-Timers’ Day stitched history to today as the Yankees honored the 2000 World Series champs and Astros players roamed the field for autographs, trading stories with a who’s who of pinstripe legends. Cooper Hummel led a small Astros contingent seeking signatures from Pettitte, Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada, and Mariano Rivera, while Dwight Gooden signed for Joe Espada. The moment underscored how the game’s lineage fuels its present and even nudges fantasy rosters toward a longer view of development.

Hummel’s enthusiasm was contagious: a baseball nerd soaking in the craft, he listened as Rivera’s cutter mindset—shared in a quick, practical chat with Colton Gordon—offered a blueprint for a rookie’s approach. Mauricio Dubón paused with Orlando Hernández and Rivera; the day framed a full-circle arc of mentorship, where yesterday’s greats illuminate today’s prospects. The scene blended nostalgia with a clear message: growth in MLB comes from listening, asking questions, and weaving history into today’s grind.

As the field cleared, the takeaway was simple: big-league life is a privilege, and moments like this sharpen craft by pairing curiosity with the wisdom of legends who once walked the same turf.

In a moment of desperate need, the Houston Astros turned to backup Cooper Hummel to salvage a 2-2 tie against the Washington Nationals. Hummel's unexpected entry in a crucial fifth inning came as manager Joe Espada sought solutions amid a wave of injuries impacting the team's roster.

Initially, the left-handed Jacob Melton was set to bat, but after a walk and a single, Hummel was called upon to pinch-hit. Facing right-hander Andry Lara, who had previously troubled him in the minors, Hummel's preparations included a quick review of video footage. This tactical shift proved fruitful as Hummel grounded a first-pitch sinker up the middle, scoring a crucial run that helped propel the Astros to a 7-4 victory, breaking a five-game losing streak.

In a tight matchup, the Houston Astros edged the Philadelphia Phillies 1-0, with Cooper Hummel's eighth-inning home run being the game's sole score. Framber Valdez delivered a stellar performance, pitching seven scoreless innings while Josh Hader secured his 20th save. The Phillies' Ranger Suárez put forth a remarkable display, shutting out the Astros for 14⅔ innings until Hummel's decisive hit. Valdez faced numerous baserunners but maintained composure, holding the Phillies to 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

Hummel's unlikely contribution came with an impressive shot that traveled 390 feet off Suárez, who had otherwise displayed dominance on the mound. The Astros' last real scoring threat was thwarted when Suárez struck out Isaac Paredes in the sixth inning. Despite the loss, Suárez's performance showcased his ability to handle challenging situations. Meanwhile, Valdez stood firm against the Phillies' threats, particularly in the fourth inning when he escaped a jam with runners on second and third.