Astros Roster Move: Brian McCann to DL, Tim Federowicz Recalled

Brian McCann will be placed on the 10-day DL with right knee soreness for the second time since the beginning of June, and his third trip since last August.

McCann had been having a rough go of it since returning from his first 2018 trip to the DL, slashing only .171/.190/.434 with 1 walk and only 1 extra base hit in 13 games. It is unclear if this move represents a more serious problem or if its simply wear and tear on an aging catcher. The Astros will probably try and take it easy with McCann, though an extended stay could be an issue since McCann gets a lot of credit for working with Astros pitchers both in game and after.

Max Stassi will most likely take over as primary catcher in his absence.

The move will allow the Astros to recall journeyman Tim Federowicz back to the major league club for the second time this year.

Federowicz did not see much action in his previous tour of duty, only playing in two games for 7 total at bats. His only production during that time would be a double against Boston. Federowicz has been fantastic in AAA this season though, slashing .328/.404/.560 through 151 PAs, though he has never had much difficulty hitting AAA pitching. After making his MLB debut with the Dodgers in 2011, Federowicz has spent the last few years bouncing around clubs before being signed as a depth piece by the Astros in the off season.

Update

It appears as though the issue is a little more serious than it initially seemed as Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic is reporting that McCann will undergo knee surgery and miss the next 4 to 6 weeks.