Scott Feldman won’t return this weekend

Astros ace Scott Feldman will not be activated from the disabled list this weekend. Still recovering from a case of biceps tendinitis, Feldman felt good after a successful bullpen session on Tuesday and appeared to be on track for a weekend return.

Instead, the club has decided to have Feldman throw a simulated game on Sunday. Given the somewhat disturbing status of the Houston bullpen, the team wants to make sure Feldman is stretched out and prepared to go deep into the game upon his return.

(Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports)

That means Brad Peacock will get at least one more start. Peacock will open the 3-game series against Felix Hernandez and the Seattle Mariners Friday night at Minute Maid Park. Dallas Keuchel takes the mound on Saturday and Seattle’s Hisashi Iwakuma, who has been sidelined by a finger injury, will make his 2014 debut. Surprise story Collin McHugh goes for the Astros on Sunday against Mariners’ reclamation project Chris Young and his 85 m.p.h. fastball.

Feldman was lights-out in his first three games in an Astros uniform but struggled in his fourth outing. The 31-year old was forced to the disabled list after experiencing discomfort following his April 17 loss to the Royals. In that start, Scott gave up nine hits and four earned runs in six innings of work. That was after allowing only seven hits and one earned run in his first three starts combined.

The club is downplaying Feldman’s steady drop in velocity over the last few seasons. Feldman, who signed a 3-year, $30 million contract over the winter, is the highest paid player on the Astros roster.