Bryan

King

King has been stellar at both Triple-A and in the majors this season, posting a 2.05 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and 27:9 K:BB ratio in 22 innings with the Astros. He will give the Astros another dependable lefty other than Josh Hader. Nick Hernandez was demoted in a corresponding move.

Hernandez has struggled in eight innings at the big league level this year, posting a 7.88 ERA and 1.38 WHIP. The 29-year-old does have a 1.90 ERA in 23 2/3 innings in Triple-A with a 34:9 K:BB ratio and figures to remain organizational bullpen depth. Bryan King was called up in a corresponding move.

King heads back to the minors with setup specialist Ryan Pressly returning from the injured list ahead of Thursday’s game against the Royals. The 27-year-old southpaw holds a stellar 2.05 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 27/9 K/BB ratio across 22 innings (23 appearances) since being called up back in late June.

King was a minor-league Rule 5 selection from the Cubs back in 2022 and missed all of last year recovering from Tommy John surgery. The 27-year-old southpaw will likely operate in low-leverage spots in his first stint in the majors.