Houston Astros at Washington Nationals

He was one of the Astros’ biggest offseason additions, coming to Houston from the Pirates in a three-team trade that cost the Astros’ two top prospects, and now right-hander Mike Burrows is headed to Triple-A Sugar Land to try to get his season back on track. The decision to option Burrows comes after he allowed 10 runs (seven earned) in 4 1/3 innings in a loss to the Nationals on Monday, leaving him with the most earned runs (63) allowed in the American League, as well as the league's highest ERA among qualified pitchers (5.99 in 94 2/3 innings). “We need to get him down there and try to get him right, try to create some swing and miss,” Astros manager Joe Espada said. “Something’s got to change how he approaches these hitters and try to avoid some solid contact. He’s shown that he’s capable of doing that, but we need to help him through this. Obviously, it was not an easy conversation, but he understands and I’m sure he’s going down with the right attitude and get it right.” Another struggling Houston starter, Tatsuya Imai, gave up two runs on four hits and three walks over 3 2/3 innings in Tuesday’s 6-3 win over the Nationals, raising his ERA to 6.06 in 52 innings pitched. Espada hopes for a big second half from Imai. “Coming from Japan to the U.S., there’s been some ups and downs, which, we knew that was going to happen,” Espada said. “It’s part of the process, and he’s adjusting to this league. He’s grown and he’s leaning on people to make that adjustment and we’ve seen his growth the last couple of weeks. I’m expecting him to be someone we can rely on in the second half.” Rookie right-hander Alimber Santa (Houston's No. 16 prospect per MLB Pipeline) was recalled from Triple-A to take Burrows’ place on the roster, but the Astros now have a spot in their rotation they need to fill for Sunday’s game against the Rangers in Arlington -- the final matchup before the All-Star break.