Astros place key LHP Steven Okert (hamstring) on IL

Aug 25, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Houston Astros pitcher Steven Okert (48) delivers a pitch delivers a pitch during the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images The Houston Astros' bullpen took a hit Friday when standout left-hander Steven Okert was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right hamstring strain. The move is retroactive to Sept. 1. Okert last pitched for Houston on Aug. 31, when he allowed one hit and struck out two in a scoreless inning against the Chicago White Sox. Okert is 6-2 with a 2.13 ERA and 0.87 WHIP in 68 appearances (one start) this season. He has allowed 45 hits while recording 68 strikeouts in 67 2/3 innings. The 35-year-old is in his second season with the Astros and ninth in the majors. He has also pitched for the San Francisco Giants (2016-18), Miami Marlins (2021-23) and Minnesota Twins (2024). Overall, Okert is 24-15 with a 3.41 ERA in 408 appearances (five starts). Houston recalled left-hander Bryan King from Triple-A Sugar Land in a corresponding move. King is 2-3 with six saves and a 4.75 ERA in 51 appearances (one start) for the Astros this season. In three seasons with Houston, King is 8-7 with a 3.42 ERA in 147 appearances (one start). The Astros entered Friday with a two-game lead over the Texas Rangers in the American League West. Houston is set to begin a three-game set against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night. --Field Level Media