Brian McTaggart Talks Astros Roster Changes With Urquidy, Abreu Returning

The Matt Thomas Show

Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, joins The Matt Thomas Show to discuss probable roster changes for the Astros as players return from the injured list, as well as Jose Abreu coming back from extended spring training. Abreu was demoted to the Florida Complex League on May 1, but during the recent home series against the Milwaukee Brewers, general manager Dana Brown said Abreu will play a few more minor-league games and could join the Astros in Oakland this weekend. The Astros are "getting close to some decision about the roster," McTaggart said. "I think [Joey] Loperfido goes down" when Abreu comes back. With Jon Singleton providing production from first base, how will the Astros fit Abreu back into the lineup? "This is not going to be an easy decision," and "what is the bar to keep him in the lineup?" Starting pitcher Jose Urquidy left a spring training game in March with a right forearm strain, and Urquidy will get his third rehab game on Friday with the Triple-A affiliate in Sugar Land. This could be Urquidy's last rehab game before rejoining the Astros. Hunter Brown had a quality start on the mound Sunday, giving up just two earned runs in six innings of work, striking out three, but the Astros would lose 2-1. The Astros "might be getting away from the six-man rotation," and "every start just gets better and better" for Spencer Arrighetti, so what will the Astros pitching rotation look like? "Competition brings out the best in people."