Astros roster update: Lance McCullers activated from the DL

Finally, there is good news on the starting rotation front for the Astros.

In case you haven’t noticed, the Astros have been without the services of Lance McCullers for a few weeks. Due to lower back discomfort, McCullers was placed on the disabled list earlier this month.

McCullers’ sudden trip to the disabled list unfortunately placed more burden on the Astros’ somewhat taxed pitching staff. Don’t forget the team was already short Dallas Keuchel, Charlie Morton and Collin McHugh in the starting rotation.

Thankfully for Houston, they still maintain a sizable lead in the AL West, which has allowed them to be cautious with their pitchers. But as the month of June comes to a close in the next week, the Astros are eagerly anticipating the return of multiple starters in the coming weeks.

Well, you can officially cross McCullers name off the disabled list this evening.

Regaining the services of McCullers is plus-plus development for the Astros. Not only do they gain one of their best pitchers, they will hopefully give the bullpen a bit of a breather.

However, this isn’t the only roster change the Astros made this evening.

Astros starter, Joe Musgrove, has been optioned to the Fresno Grizzlies, the team’s Triple-A affiliate. This move isn’t a surprise after witnessing Musgrove surrender nine earned runs in just 3.2 innings of work last night. Since his return from the disabled list, the 24-year old pitcher has witnessed his 4.81 ERA jump to a 6.01 ERA. He didn’t pitch past the sixth inning in any of his three June starts and earned the loss in each of those games. In those three games, Musgrove posted a 10.29 ERA.

On a more happy note, the Astros placed the resurgent Brad Peacock on the paternity list as he and his wife welcomed their son into world this afternoon. Congrats to the entire Peacock family on this wonderful addition to their family!

In turn, the Astros promoted a familiar face in Jordan Jankowski to take Peacock’s place on the active roster.

The 28-year old right-hander will likely be used out of the bullpen until Peacock’s return next week. Jankowski in 3.1 innings six earned runs and three home runs. He has also struck out four. He will be an insurance policy if the Astros need the bullpen to go multiple innings again.

Per Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle, Peacock’s next turn in the starting rotation will take place this upcoming Thursday against the Oakland Athletics. Musgrove was schedule to start that day before he was optioned to Fresno.

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So, this is a lot to digest on a Saturday evening. t is easy to see why Houston made the roster moves it did today. But regaining McCullers is a positive development for a starting rotation in need of one. Hopefully Musgrove can work on a few things in Fresno and we can see him in Houston again soon.

**Statistics courtesy of MLB.com**