Jayden

Murray

Murray is getting swapped out for a fresh arm after giving up two runs in two innings in his season debut Sunday.

It appears to be yet another injury to the Astros’ pitching staff, Bolton seemed to be dealing with some sort of tightness in his shoulder area before leaving. The right-hander walked the bases loaded, and was then lifted after two strikes to Brendan Donovan. The specifics on why Bolton had to exit should be available shortly. Jayden Murray has taken over on the mound.

Murray is up to give the Astros some bullpen help with the ability to work multiple innings. He’ll get the nod with J.P. France heading to Triple-A to make room.

It was thought that Murray had a good chance to make the Astros’ opening day bullpen after 11 2/3 strong debut innings in 2025. However, he allowed five runs on five hits in six innings this spring while posting a 7/5/ K/BB ratio, so he will begin the season in the minor leagues. He’ll likely get another chance early in the season.

Murray gave up one hit, walked one and struck out one. The 28-year-old suddenly has 5 1/3 scoreless innings to start his major league career. The Astros were up 2-0 when he left the game and would ultimately win 11-3. Colton Gordon pitched the last four innings of the game and earned the save. Murray threw just 40 pitches and is likely to remain in a bullpen role.

J.P. France, who hasn’t pitched since being called up Monday, figures to be involved. Murray has pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings in two appearances since being called up for the first time nine days ago.

With Spencer Arrighetti (elbow) landing on the IL, Murray is getting called up to take his place. The 28-year-old is a former starter, but he missed the second half of 2023 after undergoing Tommy John surgery and then was rehabbing for almost all of the 2024 season. He has made 50 relief appearances this year, posting a 4.64 ERA in 64 innings at Triple-A.

Murray gets the call to the big leagues for the first time in his career after posting a respectable 4.64 ERA and 66/30 K/BB ratio across 64 innings over 50 appearances this season for Triple-A Sugar Land. He’ll presumably operate in long relief out of Houston’s bullpen.

Murray was well regarded in the Rays system a year ago, but his stock tumbled before he was sent to the Astros in the three-team Trey Mancini deal and he went unpicked after being left available in the Rule 5 draft over the winter. Fortunately, things are looking better now. He’s up to eight scoreless innings so far this spring, and while it’s highly unlikely to get him a spot on the Astros’ Opening Day roster, he could be emerging as a top fallback option for the rotation.

He came from the Rays in Monday’s three-team trade involving the Orioles. Murray is already 25 and just reached Triple-A, but he’s put up nice numbers in the minors.