Astros Recall OF Zach Cole

TL;DR

The Houston Astros have recalled outfielder Zach Cole and designated Daniel Johnson for assignment. Cole, who had a strong performance in the minors, is expected to compete for a starting job after recovering from a broken toe injury.

Key points

Astros recalled OF Zach Cole
Daniel Johnson designated for assignment
Cole was a 2022 10th round pick
Strong minor league performance before recall
Cole suffered a broken toe early in the season

Houston AstrosZach ColeDaniel Johnson

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - MARCH 09: Zach Cole (16) of the Houston Astros bats during a spring training game against the St. Louis Cardinals on March 09, 2026 at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The Astros have recalled **OF Zach Cole** and designated **OF Daniel Johnson** for assignment. The club has reinstated **OF Zach Dezenzo** from the Injured List and optioned him to Triple A Sugar Land. Cole, 25, was a 2022 10th round pick by the Astros who burst on the scene last year after a swing adjustment. Cole began last season at Double-A Corpus Christi, where he batted .267 with a .363 OBP and an .868 OPS in 307 AB. He smashed 14 HR and 19 doubles, with 6 triples and 15 stolen bases before being promoted to Triple-A Sugar Land. Cole continued to excel with the Space Cowboys, batting .353 with a .459 OBP and 1.204 OPS over 15 games with 5 HR and 16 RBI. That performance earned him a call up to Houston. With the Astros last season, Cole hit .255 with a .327 OBP and an .880 OPS, hitting 4 HR and 2 doubles in 47 AB. His strong showing late in the season last year had him in line to compete for a starting job with the Astros this season, one in which he clearly had an inside track. However a poor spring training landed him in Triple-A to start the season, and a broken toe suffered on a hit-by-pitch 3 days onto the season kept him out of the lineup for a month. Since returning to the Space Cowboys 4/23, Cole is 5×20 with a homer, double, triple, 5 walks, 4 runs and 3 RBI.

Q&A

What are Zach Cole's stats from last season with the Astros?

Zach Cole hit .255 with a .327 OBP and an .880 OPS, recording 4 home runs and 2 doubles in 47 at-bats.

Why was Zach Cole sent to Triple-A to start the season?

Zach Cole was sent to Triple-A due to a poor spring training performance and a broken toe injury that sidelined him for a month.

What were Zach Cole's minor league stats before his recall?

Before his recall, Zach Cole batted .353 with a .459 OBP and 1.204 OPS in Triple-A, hitting 5 home runs and driving in 16 runs over 15 games.