Texans add another toy for Stroud. Photo via: Wiki Commons.
At this point in the offseason, all the Texans receivers from 2023 are set to return to the team this season. Which is why it shouldn't have come as a surprise when they elected not to select any receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft.
However, according to multiple reports, it appears the Texans made an addition to the receiving corps on Thursday by trading for Rams receiver Ben Skowronek. Skowronek was set to be released by the Rams, but Texans GM Nick Caserio made a deal to bring him to Houston before he was let go.
What did the Texans give up?
Dianna Russini is reporting that the Texans and Rams will swap 6th and 7th rounders in 2026.
Compensation: Houston and L.A. will swap 6th and 7th rounders in 2026, per sources https://t.co/Xsw3WHzhJH
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) May 9, 2024
Skowronek (age 26) only has 58 catches and 575 receiving yards over the course of his three-year career. Skowronek was drafted out of Notre Dame in the 7th round in 2021, and is in the final year of his contact.
With Tank Dell expected to miss OTA's in June as he recovers from a gunshot wound to the leg, perhaps Skowronek will add some depth to the position group, and he could also contribute on special teams this year.
Here's another possibility. The Texans could save some money against the cap by releasing WR Robert Woods. Could this be the reason for the trade? Skowronek wouldn't be expected to see the field much, even if they do release Woods. But the Texans could use the added cap room to address other areas of the team.
Either way, Skowronek should be familiar with the Texans' version of the West Coast Offense, after playing three years under Sean McVay.
Jose Altuve homered twice and drove in a season-high four runs and Jeremy Peña tripled for his 500th career hit to help the Houston Astros to a 9-2 win over the Seattle Mariners on Thursday night.
It was tied with two outs in the fourth when Jake Meyers singled off George Kirby (0-1) before Cam Smith walked. Mauricio Dubón’s single on a grounder to right field scored Meyers to put Houston on top 3-2.
Peña then sent two more home with his triple off the wall in left-center to make it 5-2 and chase Kirby.
Altuve’s solo shot came with no outs in the fifth to push the lead to 6-2. He connected again with one on and two outs in the sixth to make it 8-2 and give him his 12th career multihomer game.
Houston’s Lance McCullers Jr. allowed five hits and two runs with a season-high eight strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings in his longest start this season. Shawn Dubin (1-0) got the last two outs of the fifth for the win.
Kirby allowed six hits and five runs with four strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings in his season debut after sitting out with inflammation in his throwing shoulder.
Seattle played without Julio Rodríguez after the center fielder was scratched from the lineup about 30 minutes before the first pitch. Manager Dan Wilson said Rodríguez had back tightness and is day to day with the issue.
Dylan Moore homered and Rowdy Tellez had two hits and an RBI on a night the AL West-leading Mariners went 2 for 10 with runners in scoring position.
Tellez gave the Mariners an early lead with an RBI single with two outs in the first. Seattle made it 2-0 when Moore homered to open the second inning.
Altuve hit a sacrifice fly to tie it in Houston’s two-run second.
Key moment
Peña’s triple in the fourth padded the Astros' lead and ended Kirby’s night.
Key stat
Peña is the fifth player in franchise history to reach 500 hits while playing shortstop, joining Roger Metzger (839), Carlos Correa (778), Craig Reynolds (767) and Adam Everett (530).
Up next
Houston RHP Ryan Gusto (3-2, 4.85 ERA) opposes RHP Emerson Hancock (1-2, 6.21) when the series continues Friday night.