Astros fine-tuning roster with AL West up for grabs

OAKLAND -- It didn't take long for Aledmys Díaz to feel right back at home in the Astros' clubhouse, about a season and a half after the last time he wore a Houston jersey.

Signed to a Minor League deal before the All-Star break, Díaz was added to the Astros' active roster ahead of their 4-0 loss on Monday night at the Coliseum. The veteran utility player had been with the team from 2019-22, a tenure that culminated in a World Series championship.

"It's a great feeling," Díaz said. "I basically feel like I never left. Especially knowing the boys and [manager Joe] Espada, being here for four years, so many memories. So I feel like normal to be back in this clubhouse."

The good feelings didn't quite translate to the field, as A's starter Hogan Harris and a formidable back-end trio handed the Astros their fourth shutout loss of the season.

It's not the first time Harris has been a problem for Houston. In four career appearances (two starts) against the Astros, the A's southpaw has allowed just two runs across 21 innings (0.86 ERA).

"Harris threw the ball really well, and we know that once they have the lead, they have a couple guys in the back end that can do the job," Espada said. "And that's what they did. Sometimes you just tip your hat to the other side."

Houston is not hitting the panic button after one tough loss, particularly after what the team has done to get to the point where a game like this could be concerning.

The Astros have had to show some grit this season, surging from a season-high-tying 12 games under .500 on May 8 to their current 52-48 mark and clawing their way up the American League West standings to briefly sit alone in first place on Saturday.

After taking two of three at T-Mobile Park over the weekend, Houston entered Monday tied with Seattle -- and both teams are now in the middle of series against teams in the basement of the division. The Mariners also lost on Monday, falling 3-1 to the Angels.

So while this game was rife with missed opportunities -- the Astros went 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position and stranded eight batters as a team -- the Astros can appreciate that they were simply outplayed.

The Mariners, on the other hand, appear concerned after letting a 10-game lead in the division slip away in a matter of weeks. They recently placed first baseman Ty France -- once a cornerstone of their offense -- on outright waivers.

With the July 30 Trade Deadline looming, the Astros still have needs to fill, particularly when it comes to their rotation -- which has been hit hard by injuries. But on the position player side, they're pretty well constructed to make a deep run, and Kyle Tucker's eventual return from the right shin contusion that has kept him out since June 3 will be as good as any Deadline acquisition.

The key now may be to assemble depth pieces and build a solid bench, just as Houston is doing with the reunion with Díaz.

After 2022, Díaz signed a two-year deal with the A's and saw his production at the plate drop off. He missed the beginning of '24 due to injury and was designated for assignment after batting 3-for-29 (.103) in 12 games.

Díaz wasn't given much time to settle into the season, but it wasn't a surprising move for a rebuilding club whose focus is on the future.

"I think they've got a great front office and coaching staff there. They were very clear with me," Díaz said. "Unfortunately, I got hurt in Spring Training, and I knew when I came back, they had to play the younger guys and I understood. I didn't play at the level that I had to play there, so it's just part of the process."

Díaz is not with the Astros to be a lineup regular -- his ability to play all over the infield and his veteran presence factor heavily into his appeal. And the Astros think there could still be something left in the tank with his bat.

"His presence, his leadership -- he's someone that we have grown to love through the years," Espada said. "We're excited to have him back."