Astros Roster Moves: Owens Optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City; Oberholtzer called up to start Saturday

'This is the toughest job a manager has. You put one hell of a fight kid, but we're sending you back', said Bo Porter. At least that's what I think he might say to Rudy Owens tonight after 5.2 inning of work against the Mariners. Rudy Owens has been optioned back to Triple-A Oklahoma City, and Brett Oberholtzer has been called up to pitch tomorrow's game in Seattle.

Owens gave up five runs on nine hits and two walks in his one start with the big club. Owens batted through the game with a few hiccups - two runs in the first, home run, and balk. But, that was to expected for his first start. Now, Owens returns with a least one major league career start under his belt.

Brett Oberholtzer was sent down earlier this month when Scott Feldman returned the rotation from the 15-day disabled list. Oberholtzer had yet win a game in 2014, and he hadn't won a game in his previous 11 starts dating back 2013 for that matter. But, wins aren't the measure of a pitcher's quality. Over his last three starts before his demotion, he gave up 16 runs on 28 hits over 14.1 innings. I don't believe you would call that winning baseball. While in Oklahoma city he made two starts, one he gave up zero runs over seven innings and striking out nine. The other, the more recent of the two starts, he gave up five earned runs over five innings at New Orleans.

With this move, the Astros will push back their current rotation of starters one game. Dallas Keuchel will make the start on Sunday. Scott Feldman, Collin McHugh, and Jarred Cosart taking the mound the next three days in Kansas City. Here is Bo Porter explained the rationale for the move -