HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Astros optioned RHP Jordan Lyles to Triple-A Oklahoma City Sunday in anticipation of OF George Schafer coming off the disabled list on Monday.
Lyles (2-7, 5.02 ERA) pitched five innings and allowed two earned runs in Saturday night’s 7-5 victory over San Francisco.
General manager Ed Wade said the move was not a demotion.
“We still see him as a starter,” Wade said. “This is what is in his best interests and our best interests.”
Lyles has pitched 148 2-3 innings this season and the Astros consider 160-170 innings a safe range for the rookie.
Schafer has been on the DL since July 20 with a left middle finger joint injury. He went 5-for-5 Saturday at Oklahoma City.
