The Houston Astros optioned reliever Miguel Ullola to Triple-A Sugar Land to clear an active roster spot for Cristian Javier, who was reinstated from the injured list before Friday’s series opener against the Rays.
Ullola, who was optioned after Wednesday’s game against the Twins, made two appearances in his first major-league call-up. He worked four scoreless innings with two hits allowed and seven strikeouts.
Javier missed nearly three months on the injured list recovering from a Grade 2 shoulder strain. He will work out of Houston’s bullpen initially upon his return, manager Joe Espada announced Wednesday.
In his three starts before going on the injured list, Javier posted a 12.54 ERA in 9⅓ innings. Javier last made a relief appearance in the majors in 2022. Espada said Javier will be available as a “typical” reliever.
Left-hander Bennett Sousa was transferred to the 60-day injured list to create a 40-man roster spot for Javier, who was on the 60-day IL. Sousa was placed on the IL on May 9 due to elbow inflammation; the 60-day IL transfer is likely a procedural move that should not impact his return timeline.