On Thursday, the Astros announced that right-handed reliever Josh Zeid has been claimed off waivers by the Detroit Tigers. With the move, Houston's 40-man roster now sits at 37 hours before the 11 p.m. CST deadline tonight.
Zeid, 27, appeared in 23 games last season for the Astros, throwing 20 innings with a 6.97 ERA and 18 strikeout. Zeid made his MLB debut in 2013, throwing in 25 games with a 3.90 ERA.
The right-hander came to Houston as part of the Hunter Pence trade. Along with Jon Singleton, Domingo Santana and Jared Cosart, Zeid gave Houston four major leaguers in return for the right fielder. At one point last year, all four players were with the Astros.
While the move likely gives Houston some roster depth, Zeid would have been placed on waivers earlier this week. The waiver process takes a day or two before claims are awarded.
Houston should still make a couple more moves to add and take players off the 40-man roster. Are you surprised Zeid got waived? Does this mean Houston will definitely add a free agent to the bullpen, or was Zeid's spot taken by Will Harris?