Astros consider options for September callups
HOUSTON -- The Astros can expand their active roster beyond 25 beginning next Monday, and general manager Jeff Luhnow said the club has "some guys in mind" that will be added.
Some of the players who were with the club earlier this year, such as shortstop Jonathan Villar, outfielders L.J. Hoes and Domingo Santana (No. 3 prospect) and pitchers Paul Clemens, Anthony Bass and Rudy Owens, figure to be among those getting called up. They'll likely add a third catcher, perhaps Max Stassi, the Astros' No. 19-ranked prospect.
"We haven't made any final determination," Luhnow said.
Triple-A Oklahoma City has gotten itself back in the playoff hunt and entered play Monday in second place in the Pacific Coast League American North division with a 71-66 record, just one game behind first-place Omaha, so that could impact the timing of any callups.
Injuries will also weigh heavily into the decision of which players to call up. Astros outfielder George Springer and Alex Presley and pitcher Darin Downs could be activated early in September, so the number of bodies will begin to add up quickly.
Luhnow was asked if right-handers Asher Wojciechowski and Alex White, both of whom are coming back from injuries, could join the club.
Wojciechowski missed the first half of the season after straining his lat in Spring Training, and White had Tommy John surgery in April 2013. Over his last six games, Wojciechowski has posted a 3.38 ERA and is holding opponents to a .227 average, with 28 strikeouts and eight walks. He's gone at least six innings in four consecutive starts.
In his last four starts, White has struck out 27 batters and allowed only 19 hits in 25 2/3 innings. He's 3-5 with a 5.90 ERA in 23 games (eight starts) overall.
"Both White and Wojo have been pitching well as of late, and that's a good sign," Luhnow said. "Whether or not we want them to get more innings in September or sometime this winter, we're still working through that. We certainly want both of them to come to Spring Training next year competing for spots in the rotation, rested and healthy."