The Houston Astros are set to take on the Los Angeles Angels for the series finale of a three-game set at Daikin Park in Houston at 7:10 p.m. CDT on Thursday.
The Angels won the first game of the series 3-1 on Tuesday, and the Astros won the second game 3-2 on Wednesday.
Ahead of Thursday’s game, the Astros announced they cut a four-year MLB player from their roster.
Houston Astros Cut 4-Year MLB Player Nelson Velázquez During Angels Series
GettyST LOUIS, MISSOURI – JULY 6: Nelson Velázquez #38 of the St. Louis Cardinals hits an RBI single against the Milwaukee Brewers in the third inning at Busch Stadium on July 6, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
Via The Athletic’s Chander Rome on X: “The Astros called up Ray Delgado and DFAd Nelson Velázquez. Houston needs some infield coverage given Jeremy Peña’s status.”
The Astros claimed Velázquez off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals on Aug. 10. In three games with Houston, Velázquez went 0-for-4 with an RBI and a strikeout.
Looking at Nelson Velázquez
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 10: Nelson Velázquez #38 of the St. Louis Cardinals gestures on the base paths after hitting a two-run home run in the third inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field on June 10, 2026 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
Velázquez made his MLB debut with the Chicago Cubs in 2022.
In 77 games with the Cubs in 2022, Velázquez hit .205/.286/.373 with six home runs, seven doubles, three triples and 26 RBI.
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 01: Nelson Velazquez #4 of the Chicago Cubs reacts on third base after his RBI triple in the second inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field on October 01, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
After just 13 games with the Cubs in 2023, Velázquez was traded to the Kansas City Royals.
In 53 games between the Cubs and Royals in 2023, Velázquez hit .235/.302/.586 with 17 home runs and 34 RBI.
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 16: Nelson Velazquez #4 of the Chicago Cubs reacts against the Colorado Rockies at Wrigley Field on September 16, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Velázquez posted a lowly .640 OPS with the Royals in 2024.
The Royals released Velázquez early in the 2025 season.
GettyJUPITER, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 17: Nelson Velázquez #88 of the St. Louis Cardinals poses for a photo during the St. Louis Cardinals Photo Day at Roger Dean Stadium on February 17, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Velázquez signed with the Pirates in Sept. 2025. He didn’t return to the majors until he played with the Cardinals this season.
He posted a .721 OPS over 34 games with the Cardinals before joining the Astros.
Houston Astros Right Now
GettyKANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – MAY 31: Nelson Velázquez #17 of the Kansas City Royals hits a sacrifice fly in the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres at Kauffman Stadium on May 31, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
The Astros are in first place in the American League West with a 64-63 record.
They have a two-game lead over the second-place Texas Rangers.
After the Angels series, Houston will host the Athletics for a three-game set.
Houston Astros Cut 4-Year MLB Player Before Angels Game