Jake Buchanan recalled; Dexter Fowler still not ready

The Astros have recalled RHP Jake Buchanan and optioned David Martinez to AA Oklahoma City. Buchanan, who made two appearances for the Astros last month, figures to assume the role of long reliever in Bo Porter‘s bullpen. Martinez will most likely be inserted back into the RedHawks starting rotation.

In other news, outfielder Dexter Fowler remains sidelined with a strained intercostal muscle. Fowler suffered the injury while batting against the Atlanta Braves on June 26th. Dexter is eligible to be activated from the 15-day disabled list but, according to Porter, is still considered to be day-to-day with the injury.

Fowler, acquired from the Rockies last winter in exchange for Jordan Lyles and Brandon Barnes, has been a nice addition to Houston’s lineup. Getting him back and healthy is a paramount to the Astros second half success. The Astros will continue to rotate Kike Hernandez, Robbie Grossman, and L.J. Hoes in the outfield until Fowler returns. All three players are in the lineup tonight in Chicago against Jose Quintana, Jose Abreu and the White Sox.