SEATTLE -- Coming off a start in which he was rocked for nine runs and 12 hits in 3 2/3 innings Friday against the Mariners, struggling right-hander Joe Musgrove was optioned to Triple-A Fresno on Saturday. Musgrove, who began the year in the Houston rotation, was 0-3 with a 10.29 ERA, allowing 16 runs and 23 hits in 14 innings, over three starts since coming off the disabled list.
The Astros also lost starting pitcher Brad Peacock to the paternity list, which lasts three days. Peacock, who was scheduled to start Sunday's series finale at Safeco Field, flew to Florida late Friday to be with his wife, who gave birth Saturday to the couple's first child, a boy named Colton Joseph. Francis Martes will start Sunday against the Mariners in place of Peacock, who will be pushed back to Thursday against the A's in Houston.
In corresponding moves, right-hander Lance McCullers was activated from the disabled list to start Saturday's game, and right-hander Jordan Jankowski was called up from Fresno to provide bullpen insurance.
Hinch said he and pitching coach Brent Strom told Musgrove he was going to Triple-A when he arrived at the ballpark Saturday. Musgrove will pitch Thursday for the Grizzlies.
"We've got to get him back to executing the way that he does when he's successful," Hinch said. "He's had a hard time executing his pitches, specifically late in the count, and he's had some big innings implode on him in the outings in which he's struggled. The other reason is we need a full complement of relievers to keep guys rested and make sure I'm not overusing guys, and we have an opportunity to accomplish both of those things by sending Musgrove out.
"It's a tough pill for him to swallow because he was in our rotation and we're excited to get him back off the DL, but he hasn't produced to the level to which he needs to in order to be successful. He needs one or two outings in the Minor Leagues before we assess him coming back."
Musgrove (4-7, 6.01 ERA) missed two starts on the disabled list with right shoulder discomfort before coming off to start June 12 against Texas. He threw seven scoreless innings to beat Baltimore on May 26, which was his final start before going on the DL.
"[Musgrove's stay in Fresno] could be short and it also could be a little bit longer if we haven't seen improvement by him," Hinch said.
Meanwhile, Peacock told Hinch during batting practice Friday his wife could be in labor soon, and he began his long trip from Seattle to his home in West Palm Beach, Fla. He made it home in time for the baby's birth, Hinch said.
"I'm really happy for that," Hinch said.
Jankowski is making his second stint on the Astros roster this year. He's allowed six runs and seven hits, including three homers, in 3 1/3 innings with Houston. At Fresno he has a 4.00 ERA with 33 strikeouts in 27 innings.