Astros: Tyler Ivey promoted, Robel Garcia demoted

With Tyler Ivey being promoted to the Astros, Robel Garcia has been optioned until further notice.

Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reported earlier this week that Tyler Ivey would be making his major league debut on Friday against the Texas Rangers. The Houston Astros minor-leaguer is from the DFW area and grew up a fan of the major league team of North Texas.

While being a hometown kid facing favorite team from his childhood, Ivey was bound to make his debut at some point this season. The right-hander is replacing utility-player Robel Garcia.

This move was most likely made due to the Astros lack of high-leverage arms and the need for more relievers to choose from until Framber Valdez, Jake Odorizzi, Jose Urquidy and Blake Taylor return to the team. While Garcia hasn’t had many starts for Houston this season, the switch-hitter is hitting .190/.261/.190 through 23 plate appearances.

Garcia has played second base, third base and shortstop this season, but he hasn’t stood out other than his walk off single in April. The right-hander was most likely thought of as minor league infield depth with options for the major leagues, and while starting to burn one with this move, Garcia will need to show out on the farm to keep his career alive with the Astros.

While the 26-man roster was going to be limited to 13 pitchers and 13 position players, the COVID-19 pandemic has halted this rule and will be addressed later. This leaves the Astros in a perfect position of adding any players that they need. Houston is on the field against Texas at 7:05 p.m. to open a second set in the Lone Star Series, but this time in Arlington.