Imai will remain with the Astros in 2027 rather than exercising the opt-out clause in his contract, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.
Imai has two years and $36 million remaining on his contract, which is well shy of what he'd get on the open market after he posted a disappointing 4.93 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 97:51 K:BB over 76.2 innings in his first year with the Astros. He has another opt-out clause in his contract that he could exercise after the 2027 campaign. Imai spent the final two months of the regular season in the bullpen, and it's unclear what plans the Astros have in store for Imai's role next season.
Loperfido underwent arthroscopic surgery recently to repair a labral tear and impingment in his right hip, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.
The expectation is that Loperfido will be delayed at the beginning of spring training, but it's unclear whether he will be ready to roll come Opening Day. Loperfido logged 121 plate appearances for the Astros in 2026, slashing .214/.311/.330 with just one home run. If healthy, the 27-year-old will compete for a spot on Houston's Opening Day roster.
Astros' Jason Schiavone: Could debut early next season
Rotowire
The Astros anticipate that Schiavone could be ready for his major-league debut early on in the 2027 season, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.
Schiavone had a breakout 2026 campaign, slashing .252/.391/.531 with 32 home runs and 32 stolen bases across three levels to become the first minor-league catcher in 45 years to complete a 30-30 season. The 23-year-old does have swing-and-miss concerns, having struck out at a 32 percent clip in 2026, but he has an interesting skill set for fantasy if he can make enough contact. Schiavone will likely open the 2027 season back at Triple-A Sugar Land, where he played his final nine games this season.
Brown took the loss in Game 2 of the AL Wild Card Series against the White Sox on Wednesday. He allowed four runs (three earned) on five hits with two strikeouts and a walk over two-thirds of an inning.
It was a disastrous showing from the right-hander in an elimination game for the Astros, as he delivered his shortest outing of the year while retiring just two of the nine batters he faced. The ugly performance comes on the heels of a strong finish to the regular season that saw Brown surrender just two earned runs with 24 strikeouts in his last three outings. He was limited to 20 regular-season starts due to a shoulder strain but was effective when available with a 3.19 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 124:55 K:BB across 107.1 innings.
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Astros' Isaac Paredes: In lineup despite knee soreness
Rotowire
Paredes (knee) will start at designated hitter and bat third Wednesday in Game 2 of the wild-card series versus the White Sox.
Per Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle, Paredes has been dealing with left knee soreness after fouling a ball off his leg. However, while he will not man his usual third base, Paredes is feeling well enough to hit. Nick Allen will handle the hot corner.
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Astros' Taylor Trammell: Taking seat in Game 2
Rotowire
Trammell is not in the lineup Wednesday for Game 2 of the wild-card series against the White Sox.
Trammell started in left field in Game 1 but was removed after just one plate appearance following a sacrifice bunt. With Yordan Alvarez playing left field in Game 2, Trammell will begin the festivities on the bench.
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