The Astros activated right-hander Brad Peacock from the 10-day injured list today. Peacock has been out since August 28 with shoulder discomfort.
When healthy, Peacock, 31, has turned in good results for manager A.J. Hinch, primarily as a starter. In 20 appearances (15 starts), he’s worked to a 4.06 ERA with strikeout (25.4%) and walk (7.8%) rates a little better than league average. Justin Verlander is scheduled to start this afternoon’s game against the Angels, but Peacock told reporters (including Jake Kaplan of the Athletic) he expects to enter in relief.
Peacock figures to have the inside track at a relief role on the Astros’ postseason roster, assuming he shows his typical stuff upon his return. We heard yesterday that Houston may be looking to find room on the playoff roster for rookie Bryan Abreu, though, so Peacock’s progress will certainly be worth monitoring.
Peacock settled for $3.11MM in lieu of an arbitration hearing last winter, and he’ll be eligible for the process one final time this offseason. Assuming he’s healthy, Peacock is a good bet to be tendered a new contract for 2020 at a modest raise above his current salary. While his immediate future seems to be in the bullpen, he’d be worthwhile starting insurance for Houston next year. The club faces the potential free agent departures of Gerrit Cole, Wade Miley and Collin McHugh.
If any team stop the Yankees it will be this one.