Former Dodgers Prospect, DFA’d By Houston Astros, Joins MLB’s Worst Team

The Astros announced a set of roster moves on Sunday, including the news that infielder Jacob Amaya has been designated for assignment.

Amaya, a former Los Angeles Dodgers prospect, came to the Astros in a trade from the Marlins back in April and only appeared in one game — as a defensive substitute in the Astros’ 10-3 loss to the Yankees on May 7.

Fortunately, Amaya didn’t have to wait long to join a new organization. On Monday, he was claimed by a new team. Unfortunately, that team is the Chicago White Sox, who are 31-100 and on pace for a modern-record 124 losses.

The White Sox designated former first-round draft pick Nick Senzel for assignment in a corresponding move.

Amaya, 25, has a .221/.308/.330 slash line over 302 total plate appearances with the Astros’ and Marlins’ Triple-A affiliates this season.

Amaya has had quite an interesting season. He was with the Triple-A Jacksonville affiliate of the Marlins to start the season and after three games, Miami designated him for assignment. When that happened, he was on the road in Durham, N.C. He spent the rest of the week in a hotel and felt like he was in limbo, awaiting his next destination.

On April 6, he got a call from Marlins general manager Peter Bendix telling him that the Houston Astros acquired him in a trade for minor-league pitcher Valente Bellozo and cash.

“A relief, for sure, just to hear something,” Amaya said on May 2. “But coming to a winning (organization), that’s everything. So just staying ready.”

The Astros called Amaya up on May 1 to replace Chas McCormick, who was placed on the 10-day injured list at the time with a hamstring injury. Grae Kessinger, a reserve infielder, was also on the 10-day IL with right shoulder discomfort.

Amaya was there to give the Astros depth at second base, shortstop, and third base. Jose Altuve and Jeremy Peña had started each of Houston’s first 30 games and Alex Bregman had all but the three he missed due to an illness.

Manager Joe Espada told the Houston Chronicle on May 2 that “at some point, I need to give these guys a day off” and that Amaya “kind of fits that role” to fill in if needed.

Amaya was an 11th-round pick of the Dodgers in the 2017 draft. He spent the first five seasons of his professional career with Los Angeles until he was traded to Miami before the 2023 season for Miguel Rojas .

Considered a defense-first prospect, Amaya made his major league debut with the Marlins in 2023 and appeared in four games. His great-uncle, Frank Amaya , was a minor leaguer in the Dodgers’ organization in the 1950s.

Photo Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

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