Astros: 3 ways for Zack Greinke to rejoin the 40-man roster

Zack Greinke will require a corresponding 40-man move to rejoin the Astros’ roster.

After testing positive for COVID-19, Houston Astros right-hander Zack Greinke was placed on the 10-day injured list due to health and safety protocol on Aug. 31. The right-hander is now slated to start on Tuesday against the Texas Rangers, but he is currently off the 40-man roster.

While moving to the IL due to health and safety, it meant Greinke didn’t count against the 40-man, so the Astros will need to make a corresponding move to add the hurler. The Astros could take a few different routes, but here are three worth exploring.

Return Jose Siri to Triple-A

While being added as a response to a player moved to the IL due to health and safety, Siri can be returned to Triple-A and removed from the 40-man roster without being designated for assignment. Currently, the Astros have six players on their active roster who can mainly play outfield, and that is excluding Marwin Gonzalez.

But now with Michael Brantley experiencing knee discomfort (day-to-day), Siri could stay around for deep outfield depth. The right-hander slashed his first major-league hit on Saturday night, while also picking up his second career stolen base and run.

If he is returned, Siri could still have a role like Myles Straw did in postseasons past, as a pinch-runner this October. The move could be made during the four-day road trip in Arlington, as Siri could be returned to Triple-A but remain on the taxi squad for two days as precaution.

Siri’s possible removal from the 40-man would open an active roster spot as well for Greinke, but if he is not the corresponding move, then Brandon Bielak could be the clear-cut pitcher to be optioned.