Anthony Bass pitches simulated game

Houston Astros right-hander Anthony Bass, who has been out of action for over a month, pitched a simulated game on Monday. Sidelined by a strained right intercostal muscle, Bass will be sent on a minor league rehab assignment soon.

Bass posted a 4.50 ERA in 15 appearances for the Astros before landing on the disabled list. In 18 innings the former Padre allowed a 1.22 WHIP. That may have been aided by a .219 BABIP. He only has four strikeouts.

In an article by Jose de Jesus Ortiz, Jeff Luhnow made it sound like Bass is most likely to be the first of the Astros injured relievers to be activated. So, if all goes well for Bass, we could see him by the end of the month. I guess that means we shouldn’t expect to see Matt Albers or Jesse Crain on a mound and wearing an Astros uniform until at least July.

Even without the two veterans (and Bass) the bullpen is light years ahead of last year’s unit. But, with Josh Fields now on the disabled list, the ‘pen is starting to get a bit thin. Paul Clemens and Josh Zeid still need to prove themselves — and it looks like they are going to get plenty of chances over the next couple of weeks.