Jerome Williams exits game with groin injury

Houston Astros reliever Jerome Williams was forced from tonight’s game in Toronto due to a strained right groin.

Williams came on in relief of Lucas Harrell with one out in the fifth inning and runners on first and second with the Astros already trailing 5-0. In his first appearance since a stinker in relief of Harrell five days ago, Williams was actually having a decent outing. Jerome came in with some zip on his fastball and was able to get a couple of weak groundouts to squash the Jays’ rally.

Williams came back out for the sixth inning and walked a couple of batters before getting the benefit of a close call on a pickoff play for the second out. A few pitches later, Williams grimaced and motioned for the trainer. He would leave the game with what was later diagnosed as a strained right groin. Williams was replaced by right-hander Josh Zeid.

A trip to the disabled list seems likely for Williams and Zeid could be the beneficiary. Josh, who was called up prior to Tuesday’s game to replace Matt Albres (paternity list), could stay with the club when Albers returns on Friday.