Astros expect to activate Brad Peacock, option Rogelio Armenteros

The long journey back to the Astros for Brad Peacock has apparently come to an end, while Rogelio Armenteros gets optioned back to AAA Round Rock.

Following last night’s less than favorable start by Armenteros, the Astros have optioned him back down to their Minor League affiliate. It is expected that Brad Peacock will be activated off of the Injured List today to fill the empty roster spot.

The third trip back up to the Majors for Armenteros didn’t quite go as well as his previous visits. He got knocked around a little by the Oakland Athletics, allowing five runs on seven hits. It was hoped that he would go longer into the game to give the bullpen a rest but only lasted through the fourth.

In his four appearances with the Astros before last night, Armenteros had an ERA of 1.93. After allowing just three runs in his 14 innings of work in the Big Leagues, they had confidence enough that he would be an adequate fill-in for Gerrit Cole. But it just wasn’t in the cards for Armenteros last night.

With the empty spot now on the 25-man roster, although it hasn’t yet been announced, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com, Peacock will be activated today to join a very overworked bullpen.

It’s been a long hard road back for Peacock who hasn’t pitched for the Astros since June 27th. In late July, he reported back to the Astros with the hope of being reactivated but had a setback after feeling soreness following a bullpen session.

In Peacock’s last outing with the Round Rock Express, he pitched a hitless inning in relief, walking two and striking out one. He feels great and will be a welcome sight to a bullpen that has been heavily used lately and could use a fresh arm.

As A.J. Hinch says, he should be of great value right now. “He’s been in the bullpen for the last week or two getting ready. He can be really good in the ‘pen for us if we can get him locked back in the strike zone. He’s a very versatile, very valuable guy in the ‘pen. Our ‘pen is really beat up.”