Astros Add Three From Minors

The Astros added depth to the club today, calling up three players to rejoin the squad on the first day of roster expansion. Josh Fields, Jonathan Villar and Joe Thatcher are all active and available for game action tonight.

Fields provided stellar work out of the bullpen throughout the season before a brief demotion to the minors. He's struck out almost 12 batters per nine innings this season with a 2.20 ERA and .951 WHIP.

Villar adds positional versatility and speed off the bench, qualities that could help the club as they try to lock up a postseason berth in September. He's hit over .300 against lefties this season in Triple A so could also see some pinch hitting duties.

The Astros demoted Thatcher after he struggled for the club in July. He righted the ship in Fresno with a 1.09 ERA over nine appearances in Triple A. The Astros designated Jake Buchanan for assignment to make room for Thatcher on the 40 man roster.

The Astros might make additional moves as the month progresses, but for now want to keep the Triple A and Double A rosters intact for the minor league playoffs.