The Astros introduced that they’ve signed outfielder Jason Heyward and optioned outfielder Chas McCormick, two strikes that had been beforehand reported. To open a 40-man spot for Heyward, right-hander Janson Junk has been designated for project. The membership additionally reinstated right-hander Ryan Pressly from the injured record and optioned left-hander Bryan King.
Junk, 28, was simply claimed off waivers from the Brewers at the beginning of this month and has been saved on elective project since then. He made 4 begins for Triple-A Sugar Land, permitting 10 earned runs in 14 2/3 innings.
Because the commerce deadline has handed, the Astros must put him again on waivers within the coming days. He may maybe garner curiosity from golf equipment in want of innings. He solely has 4 main league frames on his monitor document thus far, with an unimpressive 5.18 ERA. However from 2021 to the current, he has tossed 356 2/3 minor league innings with a 3.84 ERA. His 20.4% strikeout fee in that point is a bit under common however his 7.4% stroll fee is powerful and he’s additionally had strong floor ball charges.
He will probably be out of choices subsequent yr however can nonetheless be optioned for the remainder of the 2024 season. He has lower than a yr of service time and may subsequently be managed nicely into the long run, however he can have much less roster flexibility by the following marketing campaign.