Astros make telling decision on 5.99 ERA starter after offseason Pirates trade

The Houston Astros are in the thick of the AL Wild Card race. 

Slugger Yordan Alvarez has been obliterating baseballs, per usual. 

But to get where they want to go, the Astros will need better outings from their starting rotation. 

Houston made a notable change to their rotation on Tuesday afternoon, sending right-hander Mike Burrows to Triple-A Sugar Land, reports The Athletic's Chandler Rome. 

Burrows, acquired in a trade from the Pittsburgh Pirates during the offseason, has a ghastly 5.99 ERA and 21 home runs allowed in 18 appearances (17 starts). 

Before Tuesday's roster move, Rome pondered if the Astros would send Burrows down for a reset.

The 26-year-old relinquished a five-run lead to the Washington Nationals on Monday. 

"Alleviating that stress is one possible solution. Last month, Burrows received a 'breather' in the bullpen for one turn through the rotation," wrote Rome.

"He also has minor-league options remaining, though the optics of demoting another offseason acquisition would be ominous for general manager Dana Brown, who is in the final year of his contract." 

The Astros have decided that sending Burrows to Triple-A is what's best for the club right now. 

MORE: Astros showing ‘strong interest’ in Rockies’ Mickey Moniak and Jake McCarthy

Sometime after the All-Star break, Houston will get Lance McCullers Jr. and Ronel Blanco back from injury. 

Burrows' return to the rotation is bleak if both pitchers can perform well. 

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