Glenn

Otto

Both pitchers had shoulder problems entering spring training and were behind the other pitchers, so they will get a longer chance to build back up to full strength before the Astros decide where they will begin the season.

Otto latched on with the Astros in early August, shortly after being released by the Padres, and will remain with Houston heading into next season as extra organizational pitching depth. The 28-year-old hurler compiled a pedestrian 5.62 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 146/76 K/BB ratio across 169 2/3 innings (39 appearances, 33 starts) from 2021 to 2023 with the Rangers. He’s more of a depth addition at this juncture of his career.

The 28-year-old hurler was cut loose by the Padres at the end of July and it took him a couple of weeks to find a new landing spot. Otto holds a 7.63 ERA, 1.83 WHIP and a 19/14 K/BB ratio across 15 1/3 innings in the minor leagues this season. He’ll add some rotation depth for the Astros.

Otto was removed from San Diego’s 40-man roster over the weekend and has been released to pursue new opportunities after going unclaimed in waivers. The 28-year-old righty didn’t end up making an appearance this season for the Padres.

The transaction removes Otto from the 40-man roster, and clears room for Jason Adam after the Padres acquired Adam from the Rays on Sunday. Otto is now on the waiver wire, and if he goes unclaimed or isn’t traded, he’ll likely report back to Triple-A El Paso.

Otto will remain stationed at Triple-A El Paso as extra organizational depth after wrapping up a minor league rehab assignment. The 28-year-old righty has been out since mid-May due to a right shoulder strain.

It’s not yet clear exactly how long the 28-year-old hurler will be sidelined for, but the fact that they opted for the 15-day injured list instead of the 60-day version bodes well for his long-term outlook. Otto did not make an appearance in Cactus League play.

Otto was designated for assignment earlier in the week, and the Padres snatched him up. Despite struggling to an inflated 10.13 ERA, 1.88 WHIP and 11/6 K/BB ratio across 10 2/3 innings with the Rangers this season, he’s registered a solid 3.83 ERA and 39 strikeouts across 29 1/3 minor league inning this year along with a strong 2.79 ERA in Triple-A last year. Perhaps the Padres can figure out a way to translate that to the highest level.

It looks like Monday’s debacle against the Astros — in which Otto surrendered a pair of homers in 1 1/3 innings against the Astros — was the final straw for Otto. On the season, he has struggled to a 10.13 ERA, 1.88 WHIP and an 11/6 K/BB ratio across 10 2/3 innings with the Rangers. There’s a chance that a pitching-needy team could take a shot on him on waivers.

Otto has been summoned prior to Monday’s series opener against the Mets to provide the Rangers’ overworked bullpen with a fresh arm. The 27-year-old right-hander has made four appearances this season in the majors and will likely operate in a long relief role.