Keuchel could be back by next weekend
BALTIMORE — The Astros may very well have their ace back before the end of the three-city, nine-game road trip they opened Friday night at Camden Yards.
Dallas Keuchel, who has not pitched for the Astros since June 2 because of a pinched nerve in his neck, could return to the rotation as soon as next weekend’s series in Detroit. The All-Star lefthander will make Saturday what the team hopes will be his final rehabilitation start.
As a way to minimize travel, Keuchel will pitch Saturday for the Astros’ short-season Class A Tri-City affiliate in Lowell, Mass., a level that rarely gets major leaguers on rehab assignments let alone a former Cy Young Award winner. Keuchel will rejoin the Astros on Sunday and travel with the team to Philadelphia after Sunday afternoon’s series finale against the Orioles.
“I hope so,” Astros manager A.J. Hinch said Friday when asked if he expected Saturday’s to be Keuchel’s last rehab start. “I know he’s feeling really good. We want to make sure that he feels as good as last time this next time. If that’s the case, we will certainly consider this being his last time. He’s itching to get back at this level.”
Keuchel, who completed three innings and threw 45 pitches in his first rehab start Monday in Class AA, could log up to five innings Saturday.
The Astros want to make sure he builds his pitch count and gets up and down between innings enough times before committing to a date for his return, not only for him but also for the sake of their bullpen.
After Collin McHugh and Lance McCullers Jr. pitch the latter two games of this weekend’s series, the Astros are lined up to start Brad Peacock, Charlie Morton and Mike Fiers next week in Philadelphia.
Keuchel, 29, had a 1.67 ERA in 11 starts and 752⁄3 innings this season before his latest disabled list stint.
Upon his return, the Astros will have to make another decision about which starter will move from their rotation to their bullpen.
Peacock seemed liked the likeliest candidate because of his relief experience but may be pitching too well in a starter’s role to move.
Guduan optioned to AAA Fresno
The Astros have optioned lefthanded reliever Reymin Guduan to Class AAA Fresno.
Guduan’s demotion cleared a spot for Collin McHugh’s activation from the 10-day disabled list Saturday. It’s likely Guduan was the choice over struggling righthander James Hoyt because neither of the Astros’ two opponents in the next five days, the O’s and the Phillies, have lefthanded heavy lineups.
Odds and ends
Alex Bregman played shortstop Friday, the first time anyone but Marwin Gonzalez has manned the position since Carlos Correa’s thumb injury. The recently recalled Colin Moran started at third base. Gonzalez played left field. … Will Harris (bone bruise in pitching shoulder) reported no issues after playing light catch Friday afternoon. He made about 20 throws from 60 feet and another 20 from 90 feet. Presuming he recovers well Saturday, he will continue to ramp up his distance and intensity before progressing to the point where he can test himself off a mound. … Bench coach Alex Cora is away from the Astros this weekend after the birth of his twins, Xander Gabriel and Isander Manuel. While he’s away, the rest of the coaching staff will absorb his responsibilities. Alex Cintron, the team’s Spanish translator and a former major leaguer, was back in uniform Friday to fill in as a coach, which he will do through the weekend. Cora is expected to rejoin the team during its series in Philadelphia. … Corbin Martin, one of the Astros’ second-round picks (56th overall) from last month’s draft, was promoted to Tri-City from the rookielevel Gulf Coast League. The 21-year-old righthander from Cypress and Texas A&M pitched five no-hit innings over two appearances in the GCL.