Bass lands on DL with intercostal strain

HOUSTON -- While reaching out to catch a ball during his pregame throwing Tuesday, Astros reliever Anthony Bass felt some discomfort on the right side of his torso. He was later diagnosed with a strained right intercostal muscle and was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday.

"It's sore," Bass said. "I'm going to give it time and ice. Everyone's different. It all depends on how the body responds to the treatment, and then I'll be back."

Bass, 26, is 1-0 with two saves and a 4.50 ERA in 15 games for the Astros this season. He leads the club with four holds and has allowed a .239 opponent's batting average. He has 90 career Major League appearances with San Diego (2011-13) and Houston (2014), which acquired him via trade from the Padres in December.

"It's not disappointing because I was throwing the ball hard, it's disappointing because I want to get out there and help the team win," he said. "These things happen. It's unfortunate. I'll be back. Hopefully the treatment responds and I come back here soon, but we'll see. There's really no timetable."

Right-hander Josh Fields was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City to take Bass' spot in the bullpen.

Bass, whose DL stint is retroactive to Sunday, joins fellow relievers Matt Albers (shoulder tendinitis) and Jose Cisnero (ulnar collateral ligament strain) on the disabled list. Jesse Crain, who began the spring rehabbing from biceps tendinitis surgery, is now dealing with bursitis in his right shoulder and remains on the DL.

"He had really turned the corner and was throwing the ball well," manager Bo Porter said. "We didn't know how long it was going to be and we didn't feel like we wanted to go short."