The Astros have placed right-hander Tayler Scott on the 15-day injured list due to a thoracic spine strain, effective retroactively from September 18. In a corresponding move, Seth Martinez has been called up from Triple-A.
Scott, who signed a minor-league contract last winter, has proven to be a valuable addition for Houston, posting a 2.23 ERA and a 25.2% strikeout rate over 68 2/3 innings, along with an impressive 3.5% barrel rate. However, he has struggled with walks, recording a 12.4% walk rate. Despite this, he has made the third-most appearances among Astros pitchers this season.
His performance had dipped recently, with a 6.35 ERA in his last five outings, which raises concerns that his injury may have affected his game. Scott’s injury likely ends his regular season, and updates on his condition are expected after manager Joe Espada’s media availability on Saturday. His readiness for the postseason roster now seems uncertain.
For the 32-year-old Scott, making his first playoff appearance would cap off a remarkable turnaround in his fourth Major League season, having previously logged a 9.00 ERA over 46 innings with six teams from 2019 to 2023. Although he’s 32, Scott won’t be eligible for salary arbitration until the 2025-26 offseason, and the Astros hold his rights through 2028.