The Houston Astros recalled RHP Vincent Velasquez on Thursday and optioned reliever Josh Fields to Triple-A. Velasquez had been down in Corpus Christi since August 1st as a way to limit his innings in preparation for a playoff push.
The hard-throwing righty had been a starter all season but was moved to the bullpen by Houston in July. This appears to be the role that he will fill for the big club down the stretch. Along with limiting Velasquez’s work in the middle of the season, the Astros also wanted the youngster to get used to warming up a little quicker.