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.