Houston Astros' Christian Walker drops his bat after hitting a...

Houston Astros' Christian Walker drops his bat after hitting a home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Los Angeles. Credit: AP

HOUSTON — The Houston Astros placed first baseman Christian Walker on paternity leave Monday before the start of a three-game series against the Cleveland Guardians.

Walker, who is in his first season with the Astros, is batting .231 with 12 homers and 45 RBIs. He's heated up recently after a slow start and has hit .429 with two homers and eight RBIs in six games this month.

The AL West-leading Astros recalled outfielder Kenedy Corona from Triple-A Sugar Land to take his spot on the roster. The 25-year-old Corona is hitting .228 with six homers and 28 RBIs in the minors this season.

Also Monday, right-hander Jordan Weems cleared waivers and elected free agency.

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