Jose Cisnero has elbow discomfort

Right-handed reliever Jose Cisnero was sent back to Houston on Thursday to see the Astros medical staff. Brian McTaggart reported Cisnero is dealing with elbow discomfort.

It sounds like Cisnero, who last appeared in Tuesday’s 11-4 loss, could be headed to the disabled list.  As coincidence would have it, a roster spot will need to be cleared for tomorrow night’s starter, Scott Feldman.

After posting 18 strikeouts in eleven innings of work at AAA Oklahoma City, Cisnero got the call to Houston. He was effective in his first three outings, but has struggled in his last two. One has to wonder if the “discomfort” may have been hampering Cisnero for a while now. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope that it’s nothing serious.

Matt Albers, the team’s most effective reliever prior to his current stint on the disabled list, is scheduled to throw a simulated game tomorrow. If all goes well, Albers should be added to the roster over the weekend.

The makeup of the pitching staff has been in a constant state of flux over the last couple of weeks. Hopefully the return of both Feldman and Albers can bring some sustained stability. Heck, maybe someone could even be named as the team’s closer.