HOUSTON (SportsRadio 610)- Ryan Pressly took a step towards returning to the Astros bullpen after throwing a bullpen on Wednesday, his first since landing on the injured list over the weekend.
"I was actually just watching him," Astros manager Joe Espada said. "His stuff looked pretty good."
The Astros placed Pressly on the 15-day injured list Saturday, retroactive to August 14, due to a lower back strain. He played catch on Monday, and will accompany the Astros on their road trip to Baltimore and Philadelphia.
Espada believes Pressly will be able to avoid a minor league rehab assignment.
"I think he's in pretty good shape. I think the fact that he continues to throw, he feels good. I don't think it's necessary. We could always do a little live BP for him, face some of our hitters."
Pressly, 35, has compiled a 3.86 ERA in 49 relief appearances this season, but he has struck out just 23.8 percent of the hitters he's faced, his lowest strikeout rate since 2016. He allowed a run in his last four outing prior to landing on the injured list after he wasn't scored on in 17-of-18 appearances.
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