Shoulder inflammation delays Mike Burrows’ return to Astros rotation
Right-hander’s reactivation was expected with roster expansion, but new imaging reveals issues in his throwing arm, prompting a recall from Triple-A.
The Houston Astros have delayed the return of right-hander Mike Burrows to their starting rotation following the discovery of inflammation in his throwing shoulder. Burrows was a primary candidate for reactivation as Major League Baseball rosters expanded on Tuesday, but his status has now been designated as day-to-day.
Manager Joe Espada confirmed the setback on Tuesday, noting that Burrows experienced discomfort during a catch session on Monday. Espada described the shoulder as having "kind of started barking," leading to imaging that revealed inflammation in the area. Consequently, the pitcher remains on a minor-league rehab assignment, though the specific timeline for his return remains unclear.
The delay presents a challenge for an Astros rotation that has been described as tenuous. Burrows had been rehabbing from elbow neuritis, a condition that previously led to his placement on the injured list. Before that injury, he recorded a 5.99 ERA in 18 outings for Houston.
Despite his struggles in the majors, Burrows showed promise during his minor-league rehabilitation. He completed three starts in Triple-A, posting a 2.03 ERA over 13 ⅓ innings. This performance had positioned him as a viable option to bolster the team’s pitching depth if he had been cleared for active duty.
In the absence of Burrows, the Astros turned to their minor-league affiliates for immediate coverage. Ronel Blanco was recalled from Triple-A to take the mound for Tuesday’s game against the White Sox. The move underscores the team’s reliance on depth as they navigate a period of uncertainty regarding their starting staff.
The situation highlights the fragility of the Astros’ current roster construction. With Burrows’ status dependent on daily assessments, the front office and coaching staff must continue to monitor his progress while managing the immediate demands of the schedule.
