Predictable and the right moves in my opinion. Both have 30 days and 26 games to make their case for the playoff roster.
They probably really wanted to reward Whitley (and see what he can do). But also it’s almost certain that they will need another arm at some point so King will be back up at some point.
A pitcher can't be recalled for 15 days after being optioned. King can't come back until at least 9/13 unless a pitcher gets put on the IL. As for Montero, I think he needs to stay off the 40 man and try to make the team an a non-roster spring invite. Or he may elect free agency so they may add him in the offseason. Neris took any chance of a 2024 return.
Maybe it's exactly what you said. Time to see what he can do. If he stays healthy and does well, you keep him next season. If he sucks you don't bring him back next season let him become a free agent. He was doing well in the minors. Was he finally listening to the coaches? Hopefully he does what he's told(he should think about what happened to Montero). Could be his last chance(although I'll guess another team would take a chance and sign him). And if he does well and makes the playoffs roster, a great chance at a World Series.
Salazar seems like a guarantee with as much as they dh and PH and play other positions from the catchers. It’s not like you need 13 pitchers on a post season roster.
With Whitley up and a 5 game lead and the brutal stretch behind us after today I really really really want to see a 15 day DL stint for Abreu.
Whitley will be the ‘22 Abreu of this year’s postseason. Gonna be out there in game 7 of the ALCS facing Soto in a tie game with the bases juiced in the 7th inning.
Don't we lose control of Whitley after this season. He can pretty much go wherever he wants if we don't call him up to the big leagues.
So at this point, we have to see what he has. What is nuts is that we can't send him down next year if he makes the big league team.
Whitley 2025 outcome odds: Injured, 60-day IL 30% Key piece of Astros bullpen 15% sticks in Houston’s pen but isn’t good 15% Traded 15% DFA after sucking, picked up by another team 10% Passed thru waivers after sucking, AAA depth 10% Converted back to SP 5%
