With six lefthanded batters in the Mariners’ starting lineup, the Astros called up reliever Kevin Chapman from Class AAA Fresno on Friday. Outfield L.J. Hoes was optioned down, leaving the Astros with 12 position players and 13 pitchers.
Chapman, who was on the Astros’ opening day roster in 2014, had three stints in the majors last season after setting a franchise record with 13 consecutive scoreless relief appearance to start his career in 2013.
“This is the place you want to be,” he said. “It’s nice to come to a team that’s in first place, too. That’s exciting.