From Brian McTaggart of MLB.com comes word that the Astros have optioned young right-hander Jordan Lyles to Triple-A Oklahoma City, effectively ending his first season as a major league starter.
Lyles will return to the big leagues when rosters expand on the first of September, but only as a long man out of the bullpen. It’s doubtful he’ll be used more than three or four times down the stretch.
A supplemental first-round pick back in 2008, the 20-year-old earned a promotion to Houston after registering a 3.20 ERA and 41/16 K/BB ratio in 59 innings at the Triple-A level. He posted a 5.02 ERA, 61/23 K/BB ratio and 1.38 WHIP in his first 89 2/3 major league innings.
Lyles doesn’t turn 21 years old until mid-October, and should have a bright future if he continues developing.
