3 Astros players who won’t be on the roster by September 1

3) Astros roster could still use a little more from Chas McCormick

Already mentioned, Chas McCormick is a third candidate to see his time come to an end with the Astros. Like Meyers, it would only be temporarily. He can get optioned to the minor leagues safely without the Astros losing him.

McCormick hasn’t done a bad job as a regular left fielder for the Astros this year. The problem would be that they may prefer to keep Meyers—a more natural center fielder. When Brantley returns, it feels inevitable that one of these two outfielders will get sent down to the minor leagues.

McCormick has hit better, shown some pop, and feels like the superior player for the Astros strictly from an offensive side of things. For Houston, a decision may come down to whether they want to try to get creative at the center field spot or not. McCormick has seen some action there so perhaps it’s not such a difficult decision. They may lose a little defense but a lack of great center fielders is a league-wide issue.

Even if one loses their roster spot temporarily, each could and should be a candidate to be present for at least some time in September with the expanded 28-man rosters. McCormick will need to continue to hit in August to help management have an easier decision.