HOUSTON — The Astros are making moves for the home stretch of the season.
The team optioned struggling outfielder Chas McCormick to Triple-A Sugar Land.
The move came after Wednesday's game, a 10-0 Astros win over the Phillies, in which McCormick hit an eighth-inning pinch-hit home run. Before that, McCormick was struggling at the plate, batting .192 with five home runs and 24 RBIs in 243 plate appearances this season.
McCormick was mired in a 4-for-41 slump in August and before Wednesday’s game, didn’t have an extra-base during the month until Wednesday's homer.
According to Astros.com, the move was for McCormick to work on his swing for when or if the Astros make the postseason.
The Astros also announced they signed Jason Heyward, who will wear No. 22. Before the Dodgers released Heyward, the outfielder was hitting .208 with six home runs and 28 RBIs in 63 games.
Ryan Pressly was reinstated from the 15-day IL, relief pitcher Bryan King was optioned to AAA and relief pitcher Janson Junk was designated for assignment.
As of Thursday, the Astros were 71-62, holding onto a 3.5-game lead over Seattle in the American League West.
