Hector Ambriz Optioned, Brett Oberholtzer Recalled; Mark Appel Set To Make Pro Debut

In the flurry that is the first day of the international free agency signing period the Astros have made a change at the major league roster. Hector Ambriz has been optioned to Oklahoma City and Brett Oberholtzer has been recalled from Oklahoma City, according to Brian McTaggert of MLB.com.

In 33 innings for the Astros Ambriz has a 5.40 ERA and a 3.89 SIERA. In his most recent outing, on Monday, he allowed three earned runs on four hits and two walks in one inning pitched.

In his place the Astros have recalled left-handed pitcher Brett Oberholtzer who last appeared with the Astros on April 21. In that game he pitched two innings, giving up two runs on three hits. Both runs were solo home runs. At Oklahoma City this year he has a 4.60 ERA and a 4.13 FIP in 74.1 innings pitched, 15 starts. Oberholtzer has a 7.63 K/9 and a 2.91 BB/9. While it's assumed he'll replace Ambriz in the bullpen, he could be given a shot in the rotation in place of Dallas Keuchel who was shelled for five runs in four and a two-third innings on Monday night.

Tags also let us know that Mark Appel will make his pro-debut July 5 with the Tri-City ValleyCats.

This is July 4th weekend is looking to be pretty exciting.