Inside the Astros

Houston Astros Make Much Needed Roster Change Ahead of Mariners Matchup

The Houston Astros have made a change to their roster on Saturday ahead of their matchup with the Seattle Mariners.
Kade Kistner|
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

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The Houston Astros have made a much needed roster move ahead of their Saturday matchup with the Seattle Mariners. 

The Astros have optioned right-handed pitcher Ronel Blanco to Triple-A Sugar Land and have recalled right-hander Joel Kuhnel according to the team.

Blanco has put in three quality starts in six starts this season and has compiled a 4.70 ERA in 46 innings pitched this season. However, Blanco has been a victim of the home run this season. 

Blanco does not feature a third pitch, which is prohibiting him from reaching his ceiling and becoming a bona fide MLB starter. 

Kuhnel was the pitcher that Houston acquired from the Cincinnati Reds earlier in June. 

Over the course of four MLB seasons Kuhnel has compiled a career 6.20 ERA over 74.0 innings pitched. 

Unlike Blanco, Kuhnel is not a starter and will feature as a low-leverage relief type. 

Blanco was called up to make a spot start on Thursday, so the move is not unexpected but much needed as Blanco needs to develop a third pitch before he can be heavily relief upon in the rotation. 

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

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