Josh Fields could be headed to Disabled List

Josh Fields left Saturday’s game in the ninth inning with what has been reported as a forearm strain. After getting the final out of the eighth inning, the Astros reliever felt discomfort while warming up for the ninth.

Fields joins the growing list of Astros relievers that are currently sidelined by injury. The club is hoping to get veterans Matt Albers and Jesse Crain back soon.

After early season struggles and a trip to AAA Oklahoma City, Fields had turned his season around 180 degrees. Since returning to the Astros on May 17th, Josh has allowed only two earned runs in 14 appearances covering 15 & 1/3 innings. During that time Fields has allowed only 10 hits and 3 walks while racking up 22 strikeouts, establishing himself as a solid late inning option out of Bo Porter’s bullpen.

You never want to hear the words forearm and discomfort used in the same sentence while talking about a pitcher — especially in a year that has already seen over 20 MLB pitchers undergo Tommy John Surgery. Let’s hope that things aren’t quite that serious for Fields.

Yesterday, Bo Porter told Jose de Jesus Ortiz:

"It’s definitely something we’re concerned about. When you have to go to the mound and he tells the trainer he feels discomfort in his forearm that is reason to be concerned."

No further updates on Fields’ condition have been made available as of this morning. At this point, a trip to the 15-day disabled list could be a best case scenario.