Matt Albers is Nursing a Shoulder Injury

Matt Albers (Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports)

The bullpen has not exactly been a strength for the Houston Astros so far in 2014. However, it does not mean that criticism is required for all parties. Some of the new faces added by Jeff Luhnow this winter have proven to be quite useful and successful in the early stages of the season.

One of those pitchers is Matt Albers. So far this season Albers has appeared in eight games for the Astros logging 10 innings allowing just one run on 10 hits and three walks while striking out eight batters.

Albers ability to induce ground balls and pitch in pressure situations has proved to be invaluable. The right-hander was certainly missed Wednesday afternoon as Bo Porter sent Josh Fields out to pitch for the third straight day to unfavorable results.

The set-up man is currently day to day per Evan Drellich. If this continues into the weekend, Porter will have to adjust his over managing of the bullpen or a roster move will have to be made to bring Josh Zeid back to Houston.