In need of infield depth, the Astros selected the contract of Grae Kessinger, a 2019 second round pick, and added him to the 26-man roster ahead of Monday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays, the team announced.
With Jose Altuve's oblique injury, the Astros played without a backup for second base, shortstop, and third base on Saturday and Sunday against the Angels. Kessinger has played more than 100 innings at each position this season in Triple-A while batting .284 with an .843 OPS in 52 games.
Altuve was left out of Dusty Baker's starting lineup on Monday, but to make room for Kessinger the Astros optioned catcher Cesar Salazar to Sugar Land who appeared in just 10-of-59 games this season, making just three starts.
To make room for Kessinger on the 40-man roster, the Astros transferred Luis Garcia to the 60-day IL. He will miss the remainder of the 2023 season after undergoing Tommy John Surgery last month.