The Houston Astros got some help from the Cleveland Guardians this weekend as they look to complete a three-game sweep of the Seattle Mariners.
Houston now holds a three-game lead in the AL West as they finish their own series against the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday.
Injuries to the Astros’ pitching staff have continued to mount, leading the team to add a veteran reliever to its minor league team on Saturday.
Astros sign Matt Bowman to minor league deal
After the Baltimore Orioles designated relief pitcher Matt Bowman on Aug. 26, the team later decided to release the pitcher on Friday. The Houston Astros reportedly signed the right-handed pitcher. He was assigned to Triple-A Sugar Land, according to Matt Kawahara of The Houston Chronicle
The journeyman right-handed pitcher will add one more to the long list of teams he’s played for in his career. Although he hasn’t made his team debut with the Astros, Bowman’s also played for seven other teams.
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In 2025, Bowman struggled leading up to his release by the Orioles. In 20 appearances this season, he has a 6.20 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, and has an 18-to-6 strikeout to walk ratio in 24.2 innings.
Houston decided it was time to add bullpen depth after injuries to Josh Hader, Bennett Sousa, and John Rooney landed all three on the injured list. The Astros have also shifted usual starter Lance McCullers Jr. to the bullpen temporarily as he works through his struggles.
