Two options to fill Astros’ last 40-man roster spot

With a 40-man roster spot open, will the Astros select the contract of a Triple-A hand or will they wait on a 60-day IL player?

Signed for two years, $12.5 million, Pedro Báez totaled 6.2 major-league innings in a Houston Astros‘ uniform, until his designation for assignment Tuesday. The right-hander will likely clear waivers and be released, although the Astros would still have to fork-up the remainder of his contract this season.

As a corresponding move, right-handed reliever Seth Martinez was recalled from Triple-A Sugar Land to fill out the 28-man roster. With Báez off the 40-man roster, the Astros sit at 39 players with Lance McCullers Jr. and Taylor Jones on the 60-day injured list.

The two aren’t eligible to return until early June, leaving the Astros room to add another pitcher with minor-league options. Many have called for Hunter Brown to be added to the roster, given recent struggles within the rotation, but following a quality start from Jake Odorizzi, the Astros may wait to add Brown.