Astros Claim Struggling Reliever from AL West Rival to Strengthen Bullpen
The Houston Astros made a move to reinforce their bullpen on Sunday afternoon, acquiring right-handed reliever Jason Alexander off waivers from the Oakland Athletics, a division rival.
Following the move, the Astros optioned the 32-year-old Alexander to Triple-A Sugar Land. He had been designated for assignment by the Athletics earlier this weekend after a rough outing in a 19-run loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. In that game, Alexander allowed nine runs on seven hits and four walks over 2.1 innings, which ballooned his season ERA to an unsightly 18.00.
Before the disastrous performance against the Dodgers, Alexander had made three appearances this season, giving up three earned runs and three walks, while striking out five batters in six innings of work.
Surprisingly, the Astros’ bullpen has been performing very well this year, with a collective 2.74 ERA and 1.08 WHIP, ranking them second in Major League Baseball. However, adding depth to the bullpen is always important, and Alexander provides the Astros with another option in case of injuries or other setbacks.
Before his 2025 stint, Alexander spent the majority of his career in the minors, making 82 appearances—62 as a starter—at the Triple-A level, where he posted a 4.81 ERA and 1.464 WHIP.
Now, Alexander will look to earn a spot in the Astros’ bullpen as he continues his journey in the major leagues.
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