Jake Odorizzi's journey back to the big leagues took another step forward on Monday night when tossed 4.2 scoreless innings in his second rehab start for the Sugar Land Skeeters.
Against the El Paso Chihuahuas, Odorizzi allowed five hits without walking a batter and he struck out seven. He threw 77 pitches, 54 for strikes.
"I think I'm good," Odorizzi said, according to Fox 26. "I treated it like a normal game, tried to pitch like I normally pitch. I showed myself what I needed to see. I'm comfortable, so I'm ready to go."
Odorizzi hasn't pitched for the Astros since leaving his start on April 24 after five pitches with a strained pronator muscle in his right arm. He allowed four runs on five hits over three innings in his first rehab start with the Skeeters on May 18.
Astros pitching coach Brent Strom was in attendance on Constellation Field and told Fox 26 he doesn't know when Odorizzi will be activated off the 10-day IL, but he liked what he saw on Monday.
"I was particularly impressed with his off-speed. His split-finger looked excellent. He elevated some fastballs which is part of his game. It was good to see him get stretched out a little bit."
The Astros signed Odorizzi to a three-year, $23.5 million contract on March 8. He's 0-2 with a 10.13 ERA in three starts.
