Astros injury update: Will Harris back on the 10-day DL

The Astros activated Will Harris from the 10-day DL on Friday. It is now Sunday afternoon, and Harris finds himself back on the DL.

Within the last 48 or so hours, the Astros have regained then lost the same reliever to the ever dastardly DL. Right-hander Will Harris just so happens to be the yo-yo that goes back and forth.

What has caused the quick turnaround on Harris you may ask?

Well, the right shoulder appears to be barking again. Anytime a pitcher deals with soreness or inflammation in their throwing shoulder, well, caution should be exercised.

The Astros are definitely exercising caution with their reliever. And they are smart for that as the team still possesses a double-digit AL West lead. They can afford to take their time with Harris and hope he is ready to roll in August.

Per Jordan Horrobin of MLB.com, the Astros have decided to go with the same recovery program used on Harris from his last DL stint.

"Astros manager A.J. Hinch anticipates that Harris will repeat the recovery process he just went through: a few days of rest, a throwing program and a rehab assignment."

Let’s hope for Harris and the Astros that different results take place.

Honestly, this is still quite the inopportune time for the Astros to lose Harris again. After all, the team just sent down Michael Feliz (4.84 ERA) and James Hoyt (5.54 ERA) to the minors in recent days due their major league struggles. Harris on the other hand has posted a 2.86 ERA in 34.2 innings. The bullpen has looked mortal lately, so, you can see why concern should be exercised.

Losing the 32-year old as a late-inning option for any stretch is detrimental to the team’s chances of success. Of course, Harris hasn’t pitched in a major league game since July 5th so Houston’s management has learned to get by without him in the short-term. Long-term proves to be a much more difficult problem to solve, though.

Reymin Guduan will take Harris’ place on the active roster. The 25-year old has appeared in only eight innings at the major league level with a 7.88 ERA. For what it is worth, Guduan does have a 2.65 FIP, so, that’s something. Unfortunately for him, he does have a 5.22 ERA in 39.2 innings with the Fresno Grizzlies this season. But Guduan’s 3.50 FIP with Fresno could be cause for slight optimism.

Next: Astros Rumors: Is Lance Lynn the latest trade target

As the trade deadline looms with Harris’ latest setback, you have to wonder if this will spur the front office to make a move between now and Monday. Only time will tell.

**Statistics courtesy of Fangraphs**