The Houston Astros designated reliever Rafael Montero for assignment on Wednesday, clearing space for Yusei Kikuchi and Caleb Ferguson on the active roster.
TODAY’S ROSTER MOVES:
The Astros two trade acquisitions, LHP Yusei Kikuchi (#16) and LHP Caleb Ferguson (#64), have both reported to the club’s active roster.
To make room for the two, the Astros optioned RHP Seth Martinez to Triple A Sugar Land after last night’s game.…
— Houston Astros (@astros) July 31, 2024
Astros Designate Reliever Rafael Montero for Assignment
And then there were two. With Montero getting DFA’d, that leaves only Bryan Abreu and Ryan Pressly from the 2022 World Series pitching staff in the bullpen. Montero is in the second season of a three-year, $34.5 million deal he signed after Houston’s World Series win. Coming off a strong 2022 campaign, the 33-year-old struggled last season, posting a 5.08 ERA over 68 appearances. Montero began the 2024 season with an ERA of 2.81 and 18 strikeouts in 26 appearances through June 3rd. But in 15 appearances since, the veteran reliever owns an ERA of 8.53. According to Astros general manager Dana Brown, “the door is definitely open” for Montero to stay in the organization and accept a minor league assignment should he clear waivers.
Houston also optioned righty reliever Seth Martinez to Triple-A Sugar Land, clearing a second spot on the active roster. Martinez owns a 2.92 ERA and has pitched a career-high 49 ⅓ innings for the Astros this season.
Houston’s two trade acquisitions, starter Yusei Kikuchi and reliever Caleb Ferguson, have both reported to the active roster. Kikuchi has made 21 starts for the Blue Jays this season pitching to a 4.75 ERA. The 33-year-old southpaw has 130 strikeouts and 2.3 walks-per-nine through 115 ⅔ innings of work. He is scheduled to make his Astros debut in Friday’s series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays. Ferguson made 41 relief appearances for the New York Yankees posting a 5.13 ERA through 33 ⅔ innings. The 28-year-old southpaw is just the third lefty in the Astros bullpen alongside Bryan King and closer Josh Hader.
After starting the season 7-19, the Astros have turned their season around. They have gone from last place in the division to now a half-game behind the Seattle Mariners for the division lead. Once ace Justin Verlander and right-hander Luis Garcia return to the rotation, Houston will be a serious threat to win their third World Series.
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