Brett Oberholtzer back in Astros starting rotation

For the second straight day, the Astros will call up a pitcher from AAA and give him the starting assignment against the Mariners. Yesterday’s starter, Rudy Owens, has been sent back to Oklahoma City and the Astros have recalled fellow lefty Brett Oberholtzer.

Oberholtzer began the season as the Astros #3 starter. But the 24-year old was optioned to AAA after going 0-6 with a 5.68 ERA in his first seven starts. He made two starts at OKC, allowing 14 hits and two walks in a total of 12 innings. Brett threw seven shutout innings in his first start for the RedHawks but struggled a bit in his most recent outing.

The Astros are hoping that Obie can return to the form he exhibited last year. In 2013, his first season in the big leagues, Oberholtzer posted a 2.76 ERA and a 1.1 WHIP in 71 & 2/3 innings.

Owens returns to OKC after giving up five runs in 5 & 2/3 innings and taking the loss in his big league debut. Saturday’s scheduled starter, Dallas Keuchel, has been pushed back a day in the rotation. Keuchel threw 128 pitches in a win over the Rangers on Monday.

The flurry of roster moves leaves the Astros with only six healthy pitchers in the bullpen. A move to bring up another reliever could be forthcoming. Stay tuned.