Astros: Pressly to undergo knee surgery, miss 4-6 weeks

The Astros announced reliever Ryan Pressly will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery and miss 4-6 weeks.

Amidst the good news of Abraham Toro‘s call-up, Astros GM Jeff Luhnow announced that setup man Ryan Pressly will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his knee Friday. He is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. Joe Biagini is being recalled to take his place, while Jack Mayfield was sent back to Triple-A to clear the spot for Toro.

Pressly spent time on the injured list earlier this month after taking a batted ball to his knee in July. He reported more discomfort in the knee after his latest outing, and the team found a “small issue” when taking a closer look.

He made six appearances since coming off the IL, and five of those were scoreless. The one that wasn’t, however, was a disaster. Given the continued issues, the team surely figured now was the time to get it taken care of.

The timetable would suggest Pressly could possibly return before the end of the regular season, and Luhnow noted that possibility as well. Still, it’s possible he won’t be ready until October, which means it can’t be certain how strongly the Astros can rely on him in the playoffs.

Bullpen Outlook

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Will Harris would be the primary candidate to take over Pressly’s setup role. Considering he’s pitched to a 1.69 ERA this season, he should do just fine in the eighth inning. The rest of the ‘pen looks a little more murky.

Biagini allowed two runs in seven innings with the Astros after coming over from Toronto at the trade deadline, but lost his roster spot after pitching three innings in the Aug. 13 doubleheader in Chicago. He got hit for five runs in just 1.2 innings at Triple-A Round Rock, so there’s some question as to how effective he will be.

Collin McHugh has been effective out of the bullpen, having only allowed one run in 12.1 innings in August. Joe Smith has pitched to a 1.38 ERA in 15 appearances, Hector Rondon has been solid of late, and Brad Peacock recently returned, so they will likely form the bridge to Harris and Roberto Osuna. This is still a fairly deep group.

Chris Devenski has been scored upon in five of his last six outings and simply can’t be counted on right now. Josh James is starting a rehab assignment, but there’s no telling what he will be able to contribute. If Pressly is back in time for the playoffs, that could leave either or both of Devenski and James without spots on the playoff roster.

Another Move Coming?

Mayfield being sent back to Round Rock creates a 25-man roster spot for Toro, but they’ll still have to make room on the 40-man roster. Anyone removed from the 40-man would have to pass through waivers, so the Astros will need to choose carefully.

Speculating on who it might be, the team could look to the suspended Reymin Guduan or the injured Brady Rodgers to clear a spot. An announcement on that should come soon.