Astros make trade with Giants in response to Jeremy Peña, Jose Altuve injuries

The Houston Astros need some bench help, that much is obvious. So, they traded for Mauricio Dubon of the San Francisco Giants.

Dubon’s positional flexibility made him one of the more attractive commodities available — at least those who could be had on the cheap.

On Saturday morning, Houston addressed their lack of bench depth by trading catcher Mike Papierski to San Francisco for Dubon. Considering the injuries to both Jeremy Peña and Jose Altuve in the middle of the infield, such a deal makes sense for an Astros side chasing the Angels in a crowded AL West.

Dubon can play center field, second base, third base and shortstop. Those three latter positions are most important for Houston, especially with their infield in flux right now.

Houston Astros injuries: Can Mauricio Dubon be the answer?

Peña was doubtful for the series opener against the Washington Nationals with a lingering knee injury, while Altuve has been in and out of the lineup for the last few weeks.

Dubon will start his Houston career in the minor leagues, but could make a quick jump given the dire infield situation at the MLB level. In 21 games this season, he’s slashing .239/.245/.391.

As for the Giants, they no longer needed the flexibility that Dubon offers. Wilmer Flores and Evan Longoria are back from the injured list, making Dubon expendable for a team like San Francisco.

One team’s trash is another’s treasure.