:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/17073707/20130309_jla_bb1_514.0.jpg)
On Monday, Houston announced a pair of moves to bolster their newly-depleted bullpen in the wake of the Jose Veras deal with the Tigers. Taking Veras' place in the bullpen are right-handers Chia-Jen Lo and Josh Zeid. To make room for Zeid or Lo (whichever you prefer), Houston also optioned Hector Ambriz back to Oklahoma City.
#Astros call up Chia-Jen Lo, Josh Zeid. Hector Ambriz back to OKC. #MLB
— Brian T. Smith (@ChronAstros) July 29, 2013
We speculated earlier today that the Astros would call up one of three pitchers; instead, they called up two of the three names we mentioned. Not bad for a WAG.
Here's what we said about Zeid and Lo from earlier today:
Josh Zeid
Acquired as part of the Hunter Pence trade with Philadelphia, Josh Zeid could be the second prospect from that deal to debut with Houston this year. Zeid has a wipeout slider that has led to some silly K rates in the minors. This year at Triple-A, he's striking out 10.92 per nine innings with a 4-1 record and 13 saves in 43 games. He's got a pretty solid 3.50 ERA and a 3.52 FIP, largely due to a huge number of walks that are over his career averages.
Chia-jen Lo
Signed out of Taiwan, Lo was once a highly regarded prospect in Houston's thin system. But, injuries have held him back for three seasons now and diminished his star a bit. This season, he's back and pitching well in Double-A, throwing seven innings with no walks and 7.04 K/9 with a 3.52 ERA and 3.33 FIP.
This should also be the second trip for Ambriz to Oklahoma City. He was demoted once to make room for Brett Oberholtzer, called back up and promptly gave up a home run to the first batter he faced.
Zeid was not on Houston's 40-man roster, but the Astros had four open spots there, so adding him was not a problem.
Many of you have been clamoring for Zeid, Jason Stoffel and more Triple-A relievers to be recalled. Are you looking forward to seeing the General in action? How good will his slider be? What can the Astros expect to get out of Lo?
More from Crawfish Boxes:
- Astros trade rumors: Monday's updates after the Jose Veras deal
- Jose Veras To Tigers Trade Reactions And Links
- Profiling newest Astros prospect Danry Vasquez
- Astros create closer, flip closer, rinse, repeat
- Astros Trade Jose Veras to Detroit
