Astros Add Rhylan Thomas Off Waivers as Hunter Brown Moves to 60-Day IL

The Houston Astros continued reshaping their roster on Saturday by claiming outfielder Rhylan Thomas off waivers from the Seattle Mariners. The move adds another depth option to an outfield group that has been heavily impacted by injuries early in the season.

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Astros transferred right-hander Hunter Brown from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL. The procedural move reflects the team’s ongoing effort to manage roster flexibility amid multiple absences.

Thomas arrives in Houston after a brief stint with Seattle, where he appeared in limited major league action in 2025. While his time in the big leagues has been short, he brings a longer track record of production in the minors.

For Houston, the addition is less about immediate impact and more about stabilizing depth as the club navigates a growing list of injured position players.

1. Thomas’ Background and Minor League Track Record

Rhylan Thomas was originally selected by the New York Mets in the 11th round of the 2022 MLB Draft before being traded to the Seattle Mariners in July 2024. That deal sent reliever Ryne Stanek to New York. He made his MLB debut with Seattle in 2025, appearing in three games and going 1-for-8 with a double, two RBIs, and a walk. While limited, those appearances marked his first exposure to major league pitching. The majority of Thomas’ value has come at Triple-A, where he has shown the ability to hit for average over extended stretches. In the most recent full season, he posted a strong .325/.380/.411 slash line over 617 plate appearances. However, his production dipped in the current season, where he hit .260/.313/.328 across 31 games. That regression was tied in part to a drop in batting average on balls in play, falling from .332 to .269.

2. Outfield Depth and Houston’s Injury Situation

Thomas joins a Houston outfield that has been stretched thin by injuries at multiple positions. Key contributors Jake Meyers, Joey Loperfido, and Taylor Trammell are all currently sidelined with various soft-tissue issues. Those absences have forced the Astros to rely on less experienced players such as Brice Matthews, Zach Dezenzo, and Zach Cole to fill everyday or rotational roles at the major league level. Thomas provides Houston with a left-handed bat capable of playing all three outfield positions, giving the organization added flexibility as it continues to manage roster uncertainty. After being claimed, he was optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land, where he will remain available as a depth option while continuing to develop within the organization.

3. Hunter Brown Injury Timeline and Rotation Outlook

To accommodate roster adjustments, the Astros transferred right-hander Hunter Brown to the 60-day injured list. The move is retroactive to April 2 and is tied to a Grade 2 right shoulder strain. Brown has recently resumed throwing activities, including a bullpen session, signaling progress in his recovery. The organization plans to continue a gradual build-up as he works toward a return. His earliest eligibility for activation is projected for early June, depending on how his shoulder responds to increased workload over the coming weeks. For Houston, Brown’s absence adds another layer of strain to a pitching staff already managing multiple injuries, making his recovery timeline a key factor in the team’s midseason outlook.