Today brought more bad news for the Houston Astros pitching staff.
The Astros have placed LHP Steven Okert on the 15-day IL with a right hamstring strain (retro to Sept. 1). In a corresponding move, the Astros recalled LHP Bryan King from Triple A Sugar Land.
Okert has been one of the team’s most durable and consistent relievers and Joe Espada has often used Okert in the “stopper” role, bringing him in to stop opponent rallies regardless of inning.
Okert,35, has posted a 6-2 record this season with a 2.13 ERA and 0.87 WHIP. He has struck out 68 batters in 67.2 IP.
King, 29, had established himself as an important part of the Astros bullpen the past 3 seasons and was having a stellar season until July 10. Entering play on July 10, King sported a 2-1 record and a 2.13 ERA.
The wheels came off his season in his July 10 outing vs. Texas, as he allowed 4 ER and 2 HR in 1 IP, taking the loss. He would go on to allow at least 1 HR in each of his next 3 outings as well, and runs in each of his next 4 outings. He had allowed only 1 HR the entire season prior to July 10.
King’s last outing with the Astros was on August 20, a game in which he was charged with 5 ER in 1.1 IP, and allowed a HR in an 18-3 loss to the Angels. He was optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land after that game. That blow up left him with a 4.75 ERA for the season. King has also lost some of his strikeout ability this season in Houston, averaging only 7.5 K/9. That is notably below his career average of 8.9 K/9.
King has pitched better at Sugar land, albeit in limited innings. In 5 appearances covering 4.2 IP, he has not allowed a run. He allowed 4 hits, walked 2, struck out 6, and hit a batter.
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