Another roster decision looming for Fisher
PHILADELPHIA — Major league-ready outfield prospect Derek Fisher joined the Astros and started in center field Tuesday night against the Phillies, going 1-for-3 with two RBIs.
But how long will his second stint with the team last? The Astros are expecting to need to clear two 25-man roster spots this weekend to activate Dallas Keuchel and Will Harris from the disabled list. Considering they are down to a seven-man bullpen, the activations will come at the expense of at least one position player.
Manager A.J. Hinch was noncommittal Tuesday when asked about the length of Fisher’s stay other than to say Fisher would play again Wednesday night.
“It could be for two days. It could be for the rest of his career for all I know,” Hinch said before Tuesday’s game. “But I know he can help us tonight, which is why he’s playing.”
Fisher has shown himself ready to contribute in the majors, evidenced by his two-run single in the sixth inning in Tuesday night’s 5-0 win over Philadelphia, but he could once again be the odd man out because he has minor league options. The Astros at some point must decide whether to keep Nori Aoki but don’t have much reason to make that decision before they see what transpires at Monday’s trade deadline. Aoki has also hit better as of late.
But whether he’s with the Astros for good beginning now or next month, Fisher’s time as a major league mainstay is coming. If he’s demoted this weekend and he sticks with the organization beyond Monday’s trade deadline, he should be back up with the Astros in August through the rest of the season.
The only question is whether Fisher will be shuttled back and forth between Class AAA once more before then.
“That’s not something that they told me nor is it something I ask,” he said. “I think it’s just continue to have fun with my time that I’m here, for however long they want me to be here, and I’ll do my best to help win games.”
Fisher grew up in Lebanon, Pa., a little less than a 90-minute drive from Citizens Bank Park. He was a Yankees fan as a kid but watched the Phillies on TV regularly.
Bregman leaves due to hamstring
Alex Bregman exited early from the Astros’ 5-0 win over the Phillies on Tuesday night because of what the team described as right hamstring discomfort.
Astros manager A.J. Hinch said Bregman’s status is day-to-day.
Bregman’s hamstring tightened as he rounded second base on a triple in the third inning. He ended up scoring the game’s first run when the next batter, Nori Aoki, hit a sacrifice fly to left field.
“He got back to the dugout and complained a little bit of some tightness,” Hinch said. “Nowadays that’s an immediate removal the way the situation is and our depth. He’s day-to-day.”
Yuli Gurriel moved from first base to third base to start the bottom of the third inning. Tyler White came off the bench to play first base.
Bregman wasn’t available for comment postgame because he was undergoing treatment.
Using caution with Springer
George Springer was absent from the Astros’ lineup Tuesday, a day after he prematurely exited a game because of what the team described as left quad discomfort.
With a day off Thursday, the Astros might decide to hold out their All-Star outfielder until Friday’s series opener in Detroit to play it safe. Springer was said to be “fine” Tuesday, though, by manager A.J. Hinch.
“I don’t anticipate it being too lingering of an issue,” Hinch said.
If he doesn’t start Wednesday, Springer could be available to play off the bench. The only way he was available off the bench Tuesday was potentially in an emergency situation.
Tolliver sent down to free up spot
The Astros outrighted lefthanded reliever Ashur Tolliver to Class AAA Fresno on Tuesday, freeing up a 40-man roster spot less than a week before the July 31 nonwaiver trade deadline.
Tolliver’s outright means he passed through waivers unclaimed. He has struggled mightily in Class AAA, where he has an 8.44 ERA and 29 walks in 262⁄3 innings. Over two stints with the Astros this season, he gave up two runs in five innings. They acquired him via a waiver claim from the Los Angeles Angels in December.
The Astros’ 40-man roster stands at 39 players.
Odds & ends
Astros manager A.J. Hinch said Tuesday he has yet to set the rotation for Friday and Saturday. Dallas Keuchel and Collin McHugh threw bullpen sessions Tuesday. … Brad Peacock might be available out of the bullpen Wednesday after pitching three innings Monday before the rain delay. The Astros haven’t said beyond that whether Peacock will stay in the rotation or move back to the bullpen. Given his experience in relief, he seems the likeliest candidate of the starters to move back to the bullpen upon Keuchel’s return this weekend. …
Will Harris will pitch his one-inning minor league rehab outing Wednesday with the Astros’ Advanced Class A Buies Creek (N.C.) affiliate. … Astros bench coach Alex Cora rejoined the team Tuesday after four days away following the birth of his twins. … The hamstring injury Alex Bregman suffered in Tuesday’s third inning might have spoiled his opportunity Wednesday to face a former LSU teammate and roommate in Phillies righthander Aaron Nola, who will start the game.