Reliable Cisnero keeps eating innings for Astros

SEATTLE -- Jose Cisnero has been on fire of late for Houston, allowing only one run in his past 16 innings with a win, striking out 18 batters over the six outings.

"I haven't changed anything," Cisnero said. "Mentally being tighter, I go through my same preparation, throw the breaking ball and slider down, and work the corner."

He's been an innings-eater for Houston, going two-plus frames in 10 of his last 11 outings.

"He's done a great job in long relief. He is a starter that we put down in the bullpen because we want to have long relievers," manager Bo Porter said. "He's done a good job in that role, every time we put him in a game, it's been for extended innings and we'll continue to build him up that way. If we needed a spot starter, somebody was to go down, he's in position. He's ready to jump into the rotation."