Right-hander Peacock recalled by Astros

By Brian McTaggart

May 28, 2013

HOUSTON -- The Astros recalled right-handed pitcher Brad Peacock from Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to Tuesday's game against the Rockies, taking the roster spot of outfielder Robbie Grossman, who was optioned to the Minor Leagues on Monday.

Manager Bo Porter said the move was made to give Houston another pitcher as it heads to Coors Field on Wednesday, and not because of Grossman's performance. He was hitting .198 with a .310 on-base percentage while starting 26 of 28 games for the Astros.

"[General manager] Jeff [Luhnow] and I both talked to him and said, 'This is a great experience for you,'" Porter said. "'You will learn from this experience, and it had more to do with us needing a starting pitcher than your performance.' I said to him, 'When we committed to you playing every day, the reason we made that commitment is we feel like you're an everyday player. We want you to go down there and continue to grow, and think about the things you've learned here, and we know you'll be here in a short time and continue to help this ballclub.'"

Peacock began the season in the Astros' starting rotation, but was sent down after going 1-3 with a 9.41 ERA in six games (five starts). He went 1-2 with a 4.98 ERA in four starts for the RedHawks, allowing 18 hits and striking out 27 batters in 21 2/3 innings. He'll be used in relief.

"He's done a good job down there," Porter said. "He was getting in the groove in Triple-A and it was more about us needing an extra arm at this time, with the bullpen being taxed and us heading to Colorado. You don't want to go into a [two-game] series in Colorado [shorthanded], and we don't have an off-day anywhere in sight. We want to make sure we have enough coverage."

The Astros preached fastball command to Peacock, who was working on refining his two-seamer and his slider, and slowing everything down while with the RedHawks.

"I'm excited to be here," he said. "Whatever I can do to help the team, I'm here for it. I've been working on a lot of stuff and I feel good."

Brian McTaggart is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog, Tag's Lines. Follow @brianmctaggart on Twitter.