Astros Place Spencer Arrighetti on 15-Day IL After Nerve Irritation in Chicago

Right-hander Spencer Arrighetti heads to the injured list with foot nerve irritation as the Houston Astros recall left-handed reliever Bryan King from Triple-A.

The Houston Astros officially placed right-handed starter Spencer Arrighetti on the 15-day injured list Saturday afternoon. This transaction follows a Friday night performance where the 26-year-old lasted only one inning during a 9-5 victory over the Chicago White Sox. Arrighetti surrendered three runs on two hits and two walks, throwing 32 pitches before exiting the contest. He currently maintains a 7-5 record alongside a 4.60 ERA through 17 starts in the 2024 campaign. The rookie pitcher experienced significant discomfort between his third and fourth toes, a sensation that intensified during his pregame routine and persisted through every delivery on the mound.

Manager Joe Espada and pitching coach Joshua Miller visited the mound after Arrighetti attempted to warm up for the second frame. Following a brief discussion, the right-hander was removed from the game in favor of AJ Blubaugh. Arrighetti described the ailment as a sharp nerve irritation, a condition he had never dealt with previously in his professional career. To address the medical concern, the pitcher is scheduled to fly back to Houston for a comprehensive evaluation by the team’s medical staff. The club expects a more definitive timeline for his return once those specialists complete their diagnostic imaging and physical assessments.

In a corresponding move to stabilize the pitching staff, Houston recalled left-hander Bryan King from Triple-A Sugar Land. The 29-year-old reliever has posted a 2-3 record with six saves and a 3.40 ERA across his appearances this season. King previously served as a reliable option in the Astros' bullpen, logging 42 games before being optioned on July 19. His statistical profile was highlighted by a 2.03 ERA as recently as July 7, though a late-July slump saw him surrender eight runs and 10 hits over a five-inning span. During that difficult stretch, opponents connected for five home runs against the southpaw.

King’s return to the active roster provides Joe Espada with a tactical advantage against a White Sox lineup featuring several left-handed bats. The manager emphasized that King would be available for immediate deployment on Saturday and Sunday to alleviate pressure on the remaining relief corps. During his most recent stint in Triple-A, King pitched one scoreless inning to demonstrate his readiness for a major league return. The coaching staff intends to utilize his specific skill set to bridge the gap created by the sudden vacancy in the starting rotation.

The loss of Arrighetti forces the Astros to navigate a rotation shortage during a critical stretch of the season. Before this injury, the right-hander had been a consistent presence, providing stability while other veteran arms remained on the shelf. His 4.60 ERA reflects a season of growth, but the nerve issue in his right foot represents a significant hurdle for his momentum. The team has not yet announced who will take his scheduled turn in the rotation, though the expanded bullpen featuring King offers temporary flexibility for a potential bullpen game or a spot start from a long reliever.

Statistically, the Houston pitching staff must now account for the 80-plus innings Arrighetti contributed since his debut. The rookie’s ability to miss bats was a key component of the team's mid-season surge, and his absence leaves a void in the middle of the staff. Bryan King’s re-entry into the clubhouse marks his second stint with the big-league club this year, and his 3.40 ERA suggests he can provide high-leverage outs if he recaptures his early-July form. The Astros continue their series in Chicago looking to build on their 9-5 win while monitoring the health of their young starter from afar.