Astros DFA might have provided the Reds with an ideal Spencer Steer stand-in

An awkward swing during an at-bat against the St. Louis Cardinals late last month put Spencer Steer on the injured list. The Cincinnati Reds most versatile player suffered a sprained wrist on July 27 and is currently on the 10-day IL.

While there's still hope that Steer can return at some point later this season, finding a temporary solution has been difficult. The Reds traded Nathaniel Lowe before last Monday's deadline and just optioned Ivan Johnson back to the minor leagues.

But maybe the Houston Astros just handed the Reds a workaround for their current roster dilemma. The Astros claimed Nelson Velázquez off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals, and in the process, designated Shay Whitcomb for assignment.

Whitcomb, much like Steer, is an incredibly versatile fielder. While he's spent most of the 2026 season at Triple-A Sugar Land, in his 17 big-league contests, the 27-year-old has seen time at first and third base, shortstop, and left field. Does that remind you of someone you know, Reds fans?

Former Astros top prospect Shay Whitcomb could help offset the Reds' roster puzzle

Whitcomb is having a down year — both in the major and minor leagues. During his 17-game stint with the Astros, he's hitting just .130/.167/.391 with two home runs, and a 47 wRC+. His time at Triple-A has been more productive, however, with a .274/.338/.420 slash line to go along with nine round trippers, 52 RBI, and 97 wRC+.

Whitcomb is still pre-arbitration eligible, so he's making the league minimum. He also has multiple minor-league options remaining, so even if the Reds don't feel like he could help the club immediately, Cincinnati can stash him at Triple-A Louisville.

Whitcomb was the Astros fifth-round draft pick in 2020 and was a top-20 organizational prospect just last season. Much like Steer, Whitcomb is a jack-of-all-trades who doesn't necessarily do one thing great, but does a lot of things very well.

A defensive fit has always been a problem for Whitcomb, though most scouts presume his best overall position is second base. Given Cincinnati's struggles at the keystone this season, adding Whitcomb could bring some needed competition alongside Matt McLain and Edwin Arroyo.

This would he a low-risk addition on the part of the Reds' front office, and one that Nick Krall and Co. should consider. It's not a perfect fit by any means, but it would help Cincinnati regain some of the versatility they've lost with Steer on the mend.

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