TORONTO — The Houston Astros placed reliever Bryan Abreu on the restricted list prior to Monday’s series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre.
Manager Joe Espada said Abreu was tending to a “personal matter” and did not offer more specifics, including whether Abreu could rejoin the Astros during their next series in Detroit.
“We’re giving Abreu some time for him to take care of his personal matter,” Espada said.
MLB’s restricted list is for players who are under contract but unavailable to play, which can be for numerous reasons. There is no minimum or maximum duration for a stint on the restricted list, during which the player is not on his team’s 40-man roster.
Abreu last pitched Saturday against the Guardians at home. The right-hander has a 6.39 ERA in 29 relief outings this season.
Reliever Logan VanWey was recalled from Triple-A Sugar Land to replace Abreu on the active roster. This is VanWey’s third separate call-up this season. The right-hander has made three appearances for the Astros without allowing a run.