The Astros announced that Chris Sampson was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday and Casey Daigle has been called up to take his place on the roster. Daigle was not on the 40-man roster, so Evan Englebrook was designated for assignment to free up a space.
It's my understanding that if Englebrook is not claimed and chooses to stay with the Astros organization, he can remain with Round Rock. However, he'll be out of commission until he clears waivers.
Sampson (0-0, 4.68 xFIP in 20 innings) has a case of biceps tendinitis. That seems to be going around the Astros staff right now. Sampson had been pitching well before the injury, but has given up 12 hits and 11 runs in his last three outings.
Daigle has been used primarily as a closer with the Express, but will give manager Brad Mills another late inning arm behind Lyon and Lindstrom. I'd imagine Jeff Fulchino slides over into the 7th inning role for now, with Daigle having an excellent chance to win the job himself.
What do you think? Is this a day late and a dollar short? Are the Houston doctors using "biceps tendinitis" as code for elbow injury now?