The Astros shook up their rotation on Tuesday, optioning right-hander Mike Burrows to Triple-A Sugar Land. In a corresponding move, the club recalled rookie right-hander Alimber Santa.
The decision to option Burrows comes after he allowed 10 runs (seven earned) in 4 1/3 innings in a 12-11 loss to the Nationals on Monday.
Burrows owns a 5.99 ERA through 18 games (17 starts) in 94 2/3 innings. It's the second-highest ERA among qualified starting pitchers, behind only Arizona’s Zac Gallen (6.36). He’s also allowed 21 home runs -- the third most of any pitcher -- and a .292 batting average against, second highest among qualified starters.
The Astros acquired Burrows in December as a part of a three-team trade with the Rays and Pirates in hopes of bolstering their rotation depth. It has not played out that way, with Burrows searching for answers for much of the season. The deal also saw Houston part with two of its top-ranked prospects in outfielder Jacob Melton and right-handed pitcher Anderson Brito.
Although Houston swapped a starting pitcher for a bullpen arm, there is more help on the way, at least down the line. Right-handers Ronel Blanco (Tommy John surgery) and Lance McCullers Jr. (right rotator cuff impingement) are each scheduled to continue their rehab assignments on Tuesday night for Triple-A Sugar Land. Cristian Javier, who was activated from the IL last week, could also slot back into the rotation if needed.
Santa pitched to a 0.71 ERA in eight appearances with the big league club earlier this season. Of note, he hurled two perfect frames in his MLB debut to close out a combined no-hitter against the Rangers on May 26.