Houston Astros place All-Star closer Ryan Pressly on 10-day injured list with knee inflammation

SEATTLE -- The Houston Astros placed All-Star closer Ryan Pressly on the 10-day injured list Saturday due to inflammation in his right knee.

The right-hander appeared in four games during the first week of the regular season. Manager Dusty Baker said Pressly had been bothered by the soreness for a couple of days and the team sent him back to Houston for an additional examination.

Pressly's velocity had been noticeably down during his first few appearances, but Baker didn't believe the knee issue was a factor. Pressly was 0-1 with a 2.70 ERA and three saves to begin the season.

"I asked him and he said he didn't think it did. That's your shove off leg, too," Baker said. "He's a tough guy and he's not going to make excuses. Like I said, we've just got to get him right."

Houston selected left-hander Parker Mushinski from Triple-A Sugar Land to take Pressly's roster spot. Mushinski will make his major league debut when he makes his first appearance.

Baker said the closer spot will likely be a combination of guys depending on matchups but specifically mentioned Rafael Montero, Hector Neris and Ryne Stanek.

Designated hitter Yordan Alvarez was also back at the ballpark after missing several days with a non-COVID illness. Baker said Alvarez would go through the pregame workout and then be assessed on when he may return to the lineup.