CHICAGO — After making his fifth rehab start Friday in his recovery from Tommy John surgery, Houston Astros right-hander Hayden Wesneski appears on the brink of returning to the majors, though in what role is unclear.
Wesneski threw 4 ⅓ innings and 80 pitches in his outing Friday for Triple-A Sugar Land, allowing two hits and two walks and striking out seven. The one run he allowed was unearned.
“I think he’s shown that he’s ready to join the major-league club,” Astros manager Joe Espada said Saturday at Rate Field. “We’re having those discussions to see when and in what capacity.”
With starter Spencer Arrighetti landing on the injured list Saturday due to right foot nerve irritation, it would seem a possibility the Astros fill that rotation spot with Wesneski.
That spot would be due again Wednesday, however, unless the Astros plug in a sixth starter in their upcoming series against the Angels. Whether they would want Wesneski to make his first start back in the majors on four days’ rest may be a question.
Wesneski made each of his minor-league rehab starts on at least five days’ rest. The right-hander, who made six starts for Houston last season before surgery, also has major-league experience pitching from the bullpen.
The Astros are already carrying one erstwhile starter, Cristian Javier, in a bullpen role. They will need to add at least one pitcher to the rotation during the series in Anaheim. Wesneski would be stretched out, at least, after reaching 80 pitches Friday.