Brett Oberholtzer called up to start against Tigers

The Astros will be skipping Dallas Keuchel‘s turn in the rotation today and will recall Brett Oberholtzer from AAA Oklahoma City to start in his place. Keuchel is sidelined by an inflamed left wrist.

Keuchel has been the Astros most consistent starter in the first half of the 2014 season. He leads the staff in innings, ERA, WHIP, and strikeouts. His eight wins are tied with Jarred Cosart for the team lead. Keuchel has been a huge factor in the Astros improved record thus far this year. In his most recent outing Keuchel delivered a bullpen-saving complete game effort in a loss to Tampa Bay. Dallas has all three of the Astros’ complete games this season.

After a tough 0-6  start to the 2014 season, Oberholtzer was optioned to AAA. Brett was recalled late last month and earned his first two wins of the season with a pair of outstanding starts before being returned to OKC. Now back with the big club, Oberholtzer will be attempting to win back his spot in the Astros’ starting rotation.

Brett opened the season as the #3 starter — but a lot has changed since the beginning of April. Both Keuchel and Collin McHugh have established themselves as front line starters. In addition, Brad Peacock has shown that he is more valuable as a starter than he is out of the bullpen. That leaves Obie as the odd man out.

Barring a trip to the disabled list for Keuchel, we are probably looking at a spot start and a return trip to OKC for Oberholtzer. The Astros have yet to announce a corresponding roster move to clear a spot for the lefty.