The Houston Astros’ bullpen took a hit Friday when standout left-hander Steven Okert was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right hamstring strain.
The move is retroactive to Sept. 1.
Okert last pitched for Houston on Aug. 31, when he allowed one hit and struck out two in a scoreless inning against the Chicago White Sox.
Okert is 6-2 with a 2.13 ERA and 0.87 WHIP in 68 appearances (one start) this season. He has allowed 45 hits while recording 68 strikeouts in 67 2/3 innings.
The 35-year-old is in his second season with the Astros and ninth in the majors. He has also pitched for the San Francisco Giants (2016-18), Miami Marlins (2021-23) and Minnesota Twins (2024).
Overall, Okert is 24-15 with a 3.41 ERA in 408 appearances (five starts).
Houston recalled left-hander Bryan King from Triple-A Sugar Land in a corresponding move. King is 2-3 with six saves and a 4.75 ERA in 51 appearances (one start) for the Astros this season.
In three seasons with Houston, King is 8-7 with a 3.42 ERA in 147 appearances (one start).
The Astros entered Friday with a two-game lead over the Texas Rangers in the American League West. Houston is set to begin a three-game set against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night.
