Oberholtzer to make season debut next week

ANAHEIM -- Astros left-hander Brett Oberholtzer, who has been on the disabled list after suffering a blister in Spring Training, will be activated next week and make his 2015 debut when he starts Wednesday's game against the Giants in Houston.

Oberholtzer, who came to spring camp as the favorite for the fourth spot in the rotation, made his second start at Triple-A Fresno on Wednesday and threw 5 1/3 scoreless innings, striking out nine with no walks and four hits. He threw around 75 pitches.

"He's stretched out and obviously is someone that we expected to be in our rotation to start the year, and we're looking forward to watching him pitch," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. "I haven't been around him a ton, based on how spring played out, but I know he's shown well in the big leagues in a lot of opportunities and this is going to be another for him to solidify our rotation."

Oberholtzer, 25, went 5-13 with a 4.39 ERA in 24 starts for Houston last year. The Astros won nine of his 17 starts from May 24-Sept. 17, with Oberholtzer going 5-7 with a 3.92 ERA in that span. He suffered a lat strain in spring and then dealt with a blister issue that kept him in extended spring training while he rehabbed.

Hinch said Sam Deduno, who gave up 10 runs and 11 hits in 4 2/3 innings in a start Wednesday, will be moved to the bullpen later in the weekend when he's recovered him his 90-pitch outing. Collin McHugh will start on four days of rest Tuesday in the series opener against the Giants in Houston.