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Aug. 29: OF Michael Brantley reinstated off 60-day IL; OF Corey Julks optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land; RHP Jake Cousins designated for assignment
Brantley, who hasn't appeared in a big league game since June 26, 2022, was activated off the 60-day injured list on Tuesday and in the lineup in left field against Boston. Brantley had shoulder surgery in August 2022 and suffered a couple of setbacks in his rehab, including one in early May when he was a day away from being activated. Brantley just completed a Minor League rehab assignment at Triple-A and went 8-for-23 with a homer and seven RBIs in seven games.

Astros manager Dusty Baker said Brantley would split time between left field and designated hitter. He will start at designated hitter on Wednesday.

"It's great to have him back, he's worked hard to get back to this point," Baker said. "He's been as patient as any man can be. He's the consummate team man, team player, team leader. And so, we've still gotta watch him and keep an eye on him and watch his movements, and hopefully he can play all the way through the season and into the postseason."

Julks was optioned as a corresponding move, and to make room on the 40-man roster, Cousins was designated for assignment.

Aug. 27: RHP Phil Maton reinstated from injured list, RHP Ronel Blanco optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land
Maton rejoined the club on the first day he was eligible, after being struck on the right elbow by a line drive on Aug. 11. In 54 appearances this season, he is 3-3 with a 3.04 ERA, 58 strikeouts and 21 walks over 53 1/3 innings.

“It gave him time to get his arm refreshed," manager Dusty Baker said of Maton's IL stint. "Sometimes you can have an accident, and it helps you in the long run. Sometimes you’ve got to turn a negative into a positive."

To clear a roster spot for Maton, the Astros optioned Blanco to Triple-A. It marked the fifth time this season that Blanco has been optioned, which means if he is recalled, he cannot be sent down again without first being placed on outright waivers.

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INJURY UPDATES

10-day and 15-day injured list

INF Grae Kessinger (health and safety protocols)
Expected return: Possibly Sept. 1
Kessinger began a Minor League rehab assignment on Aug. 29 at Double-A Corpus Christi, where he was playing shortstop and batting second for the Hooks. The 26-year-old rookie has appeared in 19 games this season and slashed .194/.293/.333, but he hasn’t played for Houston since Aug. 13. Kessinger played two games in a Minor League rehab assignment from Aug. 26-27 with Triple-A Sugar Land, going 2-for-8. He could be a candidate to be called up when the Major Leagues rosters can be expanded by two on Sept. 1. (Last updated: Aug. 29)

60-day injured list

RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (right forearm surgery)
Expected return: 2024
McCullers, sidelined since aggravating his forearm injury during a bullpen session in February, won't return this year following surgery performed on June 13 to repair his flexor tendon and remove a bone spur.

The right-hander had rehabbed to the point that he was close to facing hitters in mid-May, but another setback ultimately led to surgery. He was transferred to the 60-day IL on June 18. (Last updated: June 18) More>>

RHP Luis Garcia (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: 2024
Garcia underwent Tommy John surgery on May 19 and will miss the rest of the season. He was transferred to the 60-day injured list on June 5. Garcia left his May 1 start against the Giants after only two pitches when he experienced pain in his right elbow.

Garcia, 26, posted a 2-2 record in six starts this season with a 4.00 ERA with 10 walks and 31 strikeouts and 27 innings. For his career, Garcia is 28-19 in 69 appearances (63 starts) with a 3.61 ERA, including 15-8 with a 3.72 ERA in 28 starts last year. (Last updated: June 5) More >>

Minor Leagues

RHP Forrest Whitley (right lat strain)
Expected return: August/September
Whitley suffered a right lat strain during a start on May 25 for Triple-A Sugar Land. The Astros' No. 19 prospect and former top pitching prospect will be out three to four months, the club announced June 2.

General manager Dana Brown said a return in August is a possibility on the Astros' pregame radio show on June 4 and said Whitley could potentially be a bullpen piece upon his return. (Last updated: June 4)

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