Astros: 3 players that could be optioned for Zack Greinke’s return

With Zack Greinke returning to the bump, the Astros will need to option a player to make room.

After demolishing the Texas Rangers on Monday, 15-1, the Houston Astros return to action on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. with Zack Greinke, who rejoined the 40-man roster after Jacob Wilson was sent outright to Triple-A, hitting the bump against right-hander Jordan Lyles. The right-hander is returning from the COVID-19 injured list, but a corresponding move has not been announced.

Jake Odorizzi exited Monday’s contest early with right-foot soreness, as the right-hander didn’t get through two innings of work. Odorizzi and Michael Brantley (knee) are both remaining on the active roster for now, as more information on their statuses has not been reported.

After a rough outing in terms of pitch efficiency, Cristian Javier could be an option to head to Triple-A.

Cristian Javier

More recently, Cristian Javier has displayed a walk problem. Entering Monday, the right-hander had a 4.9 walk per nine innings, and exited the contest with one more walk to his name over 2.2 innings of work.

Javier will likely not pitch again in the Rangers’ series, after tossing 54 pitches on Monday, so a quick trip to the taxi squad could be in his near future. Earlier in the season, the right-hander was optioned to the alternate training site to work on his pitching, but this late into the season, it would be tough to change his level of competition and still bank on an effective postseason stint.

Although making his first major-league start on Monday, Jose Siri could see some Triple-A time to close out the year.

Jose Siri

After crushing his first career home run in his first major-league start, Jose Siri’s return to Triple-A this season is likely. Jason Castro and Taylor Jones are on rehab assignments with the Skeeters and could be returning this week, as Siri’s roster spot could be their’s for the taking.

Siri has flashed all his tools at the major-league level by hitting a home run, stealing two bases and being reliable in the field. Now, he could be the final option for a player to return. Optioning a position player could be a route to take, but does Siri stay over Jake Meyers and Chas McCormick? Unfortunately, he might not.

But with the bullpen thinning on Monday, Siri might have to go down for Greinke, while the Astros could make another move for a relief pitcher on Tuesday. After a great performance last night, it is hard to see Siri optioned.