Maybin joins the ranks via waiver claim

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — With an eye toward the postseason, the Astros injected more speed into their position player group by acquiring veteran outfielder Cameron Maybin on Thursday from the Los Angeles Angels.

The acquisition came via an August trade waiver claim the Astros were awarded. These waivers are revocable, but rather than pulling him back, the Angels let the Astros take Maybin, a free agent at season’s end, and the rest of the $9 million salary (roughly $1.5 million) he’s owed for this season.

Thursday was the last day a player could be traded and be eligible for his new team’s postseason roster. Maybin became expendable for the Angels after they acquired outfielder Justin Upton in a trade with the Detroit Tigers for Grayson Long and cash or a player to be named.

Maybin will join the Astros on Saturday ahead of their home doubleheader against the New York Mets. The Astros designated Class AAA righthander Dayan Diaz for assignment to clear a spot on their 40-man roster. They have seven days to trade Diaz or place him on outright waivers.

Maybin figures to be most valuable to the Astros in the playoffs, when manager A.J. Hinch can deploy him as a pinch runner. The righthandedhitting 30-year-old is batting only .235/.333/.351 in 336 at-bats this season but is tied with new teammate Jose Altuve for the league lead in stolen bases with 29 in 34 attempts despite missing time because of injury.

Hinch has a history with Maybin. The thirdyear Astros manager worked in San Diego’s front office when in March 2012 the Padres signed Maybin to his five-year, $25 million contract extension. Maybin has since played for the Atlanta Braves, the Tigers and the Angels, who acquired him from Detroit in November.

Maybin’s addition gives the Astros six outfielders: George Springer, Josh Reddick, Jake Marisnick, Derek Fisher, super utility man Marwin Gonzalez and Maybin. Carlos Beltran seems to be only a designated hitter at this point.

By the end of the Astros’ 5-1 win over the Texas Rangers on Thursday, from which Hinch was ejected in the first inning, the manager had already called his newest player to welcome him to the team. He joked with Maybin that he got ejected just so he could make the call.

“He’s a great human, a fun guy to be on our team,” Hinch said. “He has a ton of speed, can play all three outfield positions. I’ll work him in. We’ve had playing time issues all year. We’ve got a ton of position players who deserve to play. Injuries have opened up a few holes here and there, and we’ve had to fill in.

“But he’ll play a little bit of outfield; he’ll hit all over the lineup; he can run. We’ll see how he fits into the big picture as we get healthy and Marwin Gonzalez starts to play a little bit more outfield and Cam’s there, Jake’s there, Derek’s there. You can never have too many good players.”