Astros to call up lefty Chapman, DFA Blackley

HOUSTON -- The Astros will call up left-handed reliever Kevin Chapman from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday and designate southpaw Travis Blackley for assignment. Chapman will be in uniform against the Rangers on Friday night for what could be his Major League debut.

Chapman, 25, was 1-2 with a 3.20 ERA in 45 appearances for the RedHawks, with two saves and 61 strikeouts in 50 2/3 innings of work. In his past 10 games, he posted a 1.42 ERA with 20 strikeouts in 12 2/3 innings pitched. Chapman earned a save in his last appearance on Tuesday, throwing a scoreless inning against Colorado Springs. For the season, left-handed hitters are batting .193 against him.

Blackley, who came to the Astros from Oakland on April 4 in exchange for Minor League outfielder Jake Goebbert, was 1-1 with a 4.89 ERA in 42 appearances with Houston this season.

Chapman, acquired last spring from the Royals in exchange for Jason Bourgeois and Humberto Quintero, will be the second rookie reliever to join the Astros' bullpen in as many games. Jorge De Leon was called up prior to Wednesday's game, but he's yet to make his Major League debut.

The addition of Chapman gives Houston five rookies in its bullpen, including De Leon, Chia-Jen Lo, Josh Fields and Josh Zeid. Wesley Wright and Lucas Harrell are the only veterans in the 'pen.