Astros activate a new pitcher and DFA veteran reliever
On Wednesday, the Houston Astros designated reliever Rafael Montero for assignment, making room on the active roster for Yusei Kikuchi and Caleb Ferguson.
Rafael Montero, a reliever with the Astros, is assigned
Then there were two. Only Bryan Abreu and Ryan Pressly from the 2022 World Series pitching staff remain in the bullpen after Montero’s DFA. After Houston won the World Series, Montero signed a three-year, $34.5 million contract, which he is currently in the second season of. The 33-year-old faltered last season, finishing with a 5.08 ERA over 68 appearances after a stellar 2022 campaign.
“The door is definitely open” for Montero to remain in the Astros organization and accept a minor league assignment should he clear waivers, according to general manager Dana Brown.
In order to make room for another player on the active roster, Houston also optioned righty reliever Seth Martinez to Triple-A Sugar Land. Martinez has pitched a career-high 49 ⅓ innings for the Astros this season and has a 2.92 ERA.
Both reliever Caleb Ferguson and starter Yusei Kikuchi, who were acquired by Houston in trade, have reported to the active roster. With a 4.75 ERA in 21 starts this season, Kikuchi has been a starter for the Blue Jays. After 115 ⅔ innings of work, the 33-year-old southpaw has 130 strikeouts and 2.3 walks per nine.
