Soon after they regained the lead in the American League West, another intriguing competition developed inside the Astros’ clubhouse Wednesday night after manager A.J. Hinch announced that Jed Lowrie will be activated from the disabled list.
Lowrie, who began the season as the starting shortstop, will return from the DL Thursday and start at third base. Righthander Roberto Hernandez, who was dropped from the rotation on June 8, was designated for assignment.
Hernandez was 3-5 with a 4.36 ERA over 11 starts and nine relief appearances this year.
By activating Lowrie and designating Hernandez, the Astros have chosen to keep first baseman Jon Singleton on the roster and hard-throwing righthander Vince Velasquez in the bullpen.