The Rays acquired Melton and Anderson Brito from the Astros on Friday in a three-team trade that sent Mike Burrows to the Astros and Brandon Lowe, Jake Mangum and Mason Montgomery to the Pirates, Chandler Rome and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic report.

EDGE Analysis

Melton was one of Houston's top prospects, and the 25-year-old got his first taste of MLB action last season, appearing in 32 games for the Astros. The outfielder slashed .157/.234/.186 with one triple, seven RBI, seven runs scored, seven stolen bases and a 6:29 BB:K across 78 big-league plate appearances. He figures to initially slot into Tampa Bay's outfield mix behind Chandler Simpson, Cedric Mullins, Josh Lowe and potentially even Jake Fraley.

The Astros recalled Melton from Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday. He'll start in center field and bat ninth in the season finale versus the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

With one game remaining in the season and the Astros having been officially eliminated from playoff contention, Melton will join Houston after shortstop Jeremy Pena (oblique) was placed on the injured list. Over 73 plate appearances with the big club this season, Melton has slashed .149/.219/.179 with a 38.4 percent strikeout rate.

The Astros optioned Melton to Triple-A Sugar Land on Saturday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Jake Meyers (calf) back from the 10-day IL, Melton will return to Sugar Land after slashing .149/.219/.179 with one triple, seven RBI, seven runs scored, six stolen bases and a 5:28 BB:K across his first 74 big-league plate appearances this season.

Melton is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

The left-handed Melton will hit the bench for the fourth time in five games while the Astros face off against southpaw Yusei Kikuchi in the series finale. Though three of Melton's absences during that stretch have come against left-handed pitching, his playing time versus righties could soon dwindle. Not only is Jake Meyers (calf) poised to return from the injured list perhaps as soon as this weekend, but Mauricio Dubon has also gotten more looks in center field of late while Melton has slashed just .149/.219/.179 in 73 plate appearances to begin his big-league career.

Melton is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Orioles.

EDGE Analysis

Melton and Jesus Sanchez will head to the bench while the Orioles send lefty Trevor Rogers to the bump. Chas McCormick will replace Melton in center field and bat ninth.

Melton is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Tigers, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Before sitting against ace left-hander Tarik Skubal in the Astros' 1-0 loss Tuesday, the left-handed-hitting Melton had been included in the lineup in each of the Tigers' previous three matchups with righties. However, he went just 1-for-10 with a 0:7 BB:K in those contests, and he'll remain on the bench Wednesday as Detroit sends a righty (Charlie Morton) to the bump for the series finale. Taylor Trammell will get the starting nod in center field at Melton's expense.

Melton will start in center field and bat eighth in Sunday's game against the Orioles, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Melton will stick in the starting nine for the fourth time in five games. Though he may have the opportunity to handle a strong-side platoon role in center field until Jake Meyers (calf) returns from the injured list, Melton is slashing just .200/.250/.244 with a 39.6 percent strikeout rate over his first 48 big-league plate appearances.

The Astros recalled Melton from Triple-A Sugar Land on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Houston optioned left-hander Colton Gordon to Triple-A to clear room on the 26-man active roster for Melton. The 24-year-old outfielder received his first big-league call-up June 1 and went 7-for-37 (.206 average) with no home runs and three steals over 13 games while also missing extended time due to a sprained ankle before he was demoted to Triple-A on Aug. 1. Though he's back with the big club, Melton likely won't be in line for regular playing time while Jesus Sanchez, Taylor Trammell and Cam Smith typically form Houston's starting outfield trio.

The Astros optioned Melton to Triple-A Sugar Land on Friday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Astros' No. 2 prospect, Melton slashed .206/.270/.265 with one triple, six RBI, three runs scored, three stolen bases and a 3:14 BB:K across his first 37 big-league plate appearances this season. Following the team's acquisition of Jesus Sanchez at the trade deadline, Melton will go get more at-bats in the minors.

Melton is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

After starting in center field in the first two games of the series following his return from the injured list, the left-handed-hitting Melton will hit the bench while the Nationals send southpaw MacKenzie Gore to the hill for the series finale. Chas McCormick will check in for Melton in center field.