It is an abrupt move for King, who until early this month was one of Houston’s most trusted and effective relievers. King had a 2.03 ERA over his first 38 appearances this season. He allowed eight runs, including five home runs, across his next four outings, including an appearance in the Astros’ 5-2 loss Sunday.
That stretch raised King’s ERA more than a run to 3.40. Sunday, King entered in the fifth inning to replace starter Hunter Brown, a stark pivot from his usual late-inning usage. In each of his prior three outings, he allowed a game-tying or go-ahead run, entering one tied game and two with Houston leading by one.
King was also one of just three relievers in Houston’s bullpen with minor-league options. The Astros plan to activate Ronel Blanco from the injured list to start Monday and will need to create a roster spot. They played Sunday with 14 position players and 12 pitchers, though, and could have cleared a spot for Blanco by sending out a position player.
Optioning King raises the possibility of adding another reliever ahead of Monday’s series opener against the Marlins. Left-hander Bennett Sousa was at Daikin Park this weekend and is an option to be activated from the IL. The Astros did not announce a corresponding move Sunday for sending down King, saying it will be made pregame Monday.
King debuted in 2024 with the Astros and emerged last season as a leverage reliever for them, posting a 2.78 ERA over 68 outings. He lent stability early this season to a bullpen upended by closer Josh Hader’s injury absence and Bryan Abreu’s struggles. King allowed just one home run in his first 38 appearances. All five in his past four outings were to right-handed hitters.