Greinke appears headed to role in relief
Zack Greinke will not make another regularseason start and seems destined for a role in the Astros’ postseason bullpen, putting him in a position he hasn’t occupied in 13 years.
Manager Dusty Baker called it a “distinct possibility” that Greinke will land in the bullpen for the American League Division Series, aligning with comments Greinke made last week about his potential role.
Greinke hasn’t made a major league relief appearance since 2007. All 19 of his postseason appearances across an 18-year career have been starts. Greinke warmed up in the bullpen during Game 7 of the 2020 American League Championship Series but never entered the game.
“He’s very open to it,” Baker said. “That was something that we had talked about and maybe his idea to try to help us out here because he’s not stretched out to start. That’s a very distinct possibility.”
Finality for Greinke does clear some confusion about the team’s four-man postseason rotation, which should consist of Lance McCullers Jr., Framber Valdez, Luis Garcia and José Urquidy.
Greinke’s unfamiliarity with the bullpen might force the Astros to give him a specific inning or situation for which to prepare. Greinke also could serve as the back half of a tandem start with either Garcia or Urquidy.
“As long as he’s ready and had enough time to warm up,” Baker said, “he could be very valuable.”
On the injured list due to neck soreness, Greinke threw a bullpen session at Minute Maid Park prior to Tuesday’s game against the Rays. Baker said Greinke “might” pitch for Class AAA Sugar Land on Thursday at Constellation Field.
Greinke is eligible to be reinstated from the injured list Friday but would not have enough rest to make a start during the team’s final regular-season series against the A’s. Baker acknowledged Tuesday that Greinke isn’t stretched out enough for it to be a consideration.
Greinke hasn’t thrown more than 75 pitches since Aug. 29. He contracted COVID-19 on Aug. 31 and spent 15 days on the injured list. The veteran righthander yielded 12 earned runs in nine innings upon his return. He has a 5.23 ERA in 10 starts since the All-Star break.
“Kind of just have to limit expectations for how much I can pitch in the near future,” Greinke said Friday after he was scratched from his start.
“Luckily, we’ve got a lot of good pitchers on our team, so I might still be able to help in just a smaller fashion but still be just as valuable, hopefully.”
Brantley to serve as DH in return
Michael Brantley could be activated “in the next couple days” but might be limited to designated hitter duties, Baker said.
Brantley missed his 16th game Tuesday with what the team has described as “right knee soreness.” The Astros refuse to make their veteran outfielder available for interviews while he is on the injured list.
Brantley took pregame batting practice before Tuesday’s game against the Rays and tested his bothersome right knee in left field. Baker acknowledged that Brantley might not be ready to play defense, which could lead to an increased role in left field during the playoffs for Yordan Alvarez.
“He’ll be at least available and hopefully sharp,” Baker said. “His stroke is such that he never really loses it, but it’s off a little bit. We’ll take that versus nothing, no Michael Brantley.”
Pettis recovers from COVID bout
Gary Pettis returned to the Astros on Tuesday after contracting COVID-19 and fulfilling his 10-day quarantine.
Pettis missed the first half of the season while battling multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer. The 63-year-old coach reported nothing more than mild symptoms during his bout with COVID-19.
“I’ve been on the phone with him the whole time,” Baker said. “Gary was going crazy just sitting in the house and finally got the clearance to go take a walk and do some things. We’re glad to have him back, especially to help us out.”
Prior to his cancer diagnosis, Pettis served as the team’s third-base coach for six seasons in addition to coaching outfield and baserunning.
Graveman joins paternity list
The Astros placed setup man Kendall Graveman on the paternity list prior to Tuesday's game against the Rays and recalled Josh James to take his place on the active roster.
Graveman can miss a maximum of three days on paternity leave. Since arriving in a trade from Seattle two months ago, Graveman has a 3.00 ERA and 1.38 WHIP in 21 innings.