Astros: Robel Garcia could see the first promotion in September

September call-ups are something of the past, as we won’t see jam packed clubhouses carrying a slew of 40-man roster players throughout the month. Now, we will see the Houston Astros activate or promote two players, as rosters expand to only 28 players.

With Jose Urquidy, Chas McCormick and Jason Castro all on the 10-day injured list due to their respective injuries, the organization could lean on utility infielder Robel Garcia as the first call-up in September, which opens on Wednesday.

While no one currently sits on the taxi squad, the Astros could be adding a pitcher and another player in the coming days, as their road trip continues into early September, leaving little time to promote players at an optimal time.

While the rosters expand in September, the Astros could be calling-up Robel Garcia first.

After Urquidy’s five-inning rehab assignment on Sunday, the right-hander could be back with the Astros as soon as Friday or sometime this weekend against the San Diego Padres. The team should hold out on activating the right-hander until his scheduled start, as they leave a fresh arm on the roster until his start.

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With McCormick expected to start his rehab assignment on Monday, the outfielder isn’t eligible to return until Sept. 3, which means the Astros will likely add an infielder along with a pitcher on the first of the month.

This is where Garcia fits in, as the switch-hitter has been with Triple-A Sugar Land ever since his last demotion on August 6. Garcia has slashed .206/.321/.471 with four home runs in 18 Triple-A games this season, as his overall production has slid in recent weeks.

Garcia’s recent inconsistencies in the minor leagues could lead to other players eyeing a call-up, as Jacob Wilson is the only other position player at disposal in Triple-A.

Garcia might join the team for a few days, before being optioned for McCormick or Urquidy. While nothing more has been reported on Castro’s injury, the catcher’s absense stretches to Sept. 5, if there are no set backs or an extended stay on the shelf. This leaves Garrett Stubbs on the active roster until Castro is healthy, while he could also stay around for the whole month if needed.

Update: Robel Garcia and Josh James were placed on the taxi squad, Bryan Abreu was optioned and Brandon Bielak was recalled. Jacob Wilson sustained a concussion, after taking a pitch to the head on Friday.