Josh Fields activated from disabled list

The Astros bullpen will be back at full strength tonight when Josh Fields returns to the active roster. Fields, on the disabled list with forearm soreness since June 15, will take Brett Oberholtzer‘s place on the active roster.

Dallas Keuchel returns to the starting rotation tonight and the Astros have chosen to return to a traditional 5-man rotation. A wise choice, in my opinion.

Oberholtzer has pitched better than his 2-7 record might indicate. But last night was a rough outing for the Astros lefty. Obie allowed five runs on nine hits and three walks in a 5-2 loss to the Angels. The team knows Brett’s future is as a starter, not a reliever, so a trip to AAA Oklahoma City was in order. Obie’s overall numbers simply haven’t been as good as the five other pitchers in the Astros’ rotation.

Fields returns to action without the benefit of a minor league rehab assignment. Keeping that in mind, I would assume Bo Porter will attempt to avoid high leverage situations with Josh until he proves to be back on top of his game.

Keuchel takes the hill tonight in Anaheim against fellow lefty C.J. Wilson. Game time is 8:05 Central.