Astros: Enoli Paredes’ call-up could just be an evaluation
While Enoli Paredes joins the Astros, his stay might not last for too long.
As rosters expanded to 28 on Wednesday, the Houston Astros activated Jose Urquidy, who is slated to start on Friday at 9:10 p.m., from the 10-day injured list and recalled Enoli Paredes from Triple-A. The Sugar Land Skeeters do not play on Wednesdays, which offered the ball club an easy opportunity for a possible evaluation.
The move could have looked surprising, especially with Chas McCormick wrapping up his rehab assignment on Tuesday. The outfielder is expected to return this weekend against the San Diego Padres, as the Astros might’ve added Paredes for a check up with the pitching coaches.
The right-hander was spotted throwing in the bullpen, as Jake Odorizzi hit the rubber in the first inning:
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Nothing came of it, as Paredes eventually sat down. There is nothing set on whether Paredes will be sent back down for McCormick on Friday, when the Astros play again, but a pitcher being optioned makes the most sense. With Brandon Bielak in the bullpen for long relief and Josh James practically replacing Pedro Baez, there looks to be no room for Paredes down the stretch.
Command continues to be an issue in Triple-A, as the 25-year-old has 16 walks and three hit batters through 19 innings this season. More recently, Paredes hasn’t allowed a run in his last six appearances (7.2 IP) and has recorded 12 strikeouts in that stretch.
The idea of possibly staying on the taxi squad for the remainder of the road trip could also be in discussion, as their final road game is on Sunday. The Skeeters open a six-game home series on Thursday, while Paredes hasn’t pitched since Monday, Aug.10. The right-hander went two innings in his most recent appearance in Triple-A, possibly keeping him from throwing for one or two days.
After the Astros signed Drew Butera and assigned the catcher to Triple-A, they promoted Cesar Salazar from Corpus Christi to Sugar Land on Wednesday. This looks to be another domino effect of promotions, as three catchers now sit in Triple-A with Michael Papierski traveling with the Astros, as precaution with nothing more reported on Jason Castro’s status.
While Korey Lee remains on the injured list, Salazar saw the promotion, as Marwin Gonzalez is also expected to join the Skeeters this week. In other farm news, the Skeeters will honor Olympian and Sugar Land native Simone Manuel and former hurler Roger Clemens during the upcoming homestand. Click here for a schedule on the promotions.