Ryan Pressly's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

The Houston Astros have had internal discussions related to potentially trading reliever Ryan Pressly. The 35-year-old was moved to a setup role in 2024 once the Astros acquired closer Josh Hader. Pressly had saved 90 games for Houston from 2021-23, posting a 2.94 ERA. 0.98 WHIP, and 25.4% K-BB%. In the setup role in 2024, however, the righty posted a 3.49 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 16.4% K-BB%. With Hader and other capable arms at the back end of the bullpen, the team could let Pressly go and get prospects in return, although with the veteran's full no-trade clause, the pitcher would have to be on board with any proposed destination. It's worth monitoring for fantasy in the event he lands in a good spot with the opportunity to close.

Houston Astros right-hander Ryan Pressly (back) threw live batting practice on Monday as he recovers from a lower-back strain. Pressly threw another bullpen session on Saturday in Baltimore and remains on track to return from the 15-day injured list when he's eligible on Thursday. He tried to pitch through a back strain for two weeks before the team finally decided to put him on the IL on Aug. 17 (retroactive to Aug. 14). Manager Joe Espada said a minor-league rehab assignment wouldn't be necessary. "I think he's in pretty good shape," Espada said. "The fact that he continues to throw, he feels good." Pressly has a 3.86 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in 46 2/3 relief innings in 2024, but he has allowed five earned runs, 12 hits and five walks in seven innings over seven outings since July 29. The Astros will be hoping Pressly is more effective as a late-inning setup man down the stretch after recovering from his back injury.

Houston Astros right-hander reliever Ryan Pressly (back) threw a bullpen session at Minute Maid Park on Wednesday before the series finale against the Boston Red Sox. Manager Joe Espada said that Pressly probably won't need to go on a minor-league rehab assignment before coming off the injured list. A lower-back strain put the 35-year-old veteran on the 15-day IL last weekend, but he's making good progress and should be ready to rejoin the big-league bullpen when he's eligible to return on Aug. 29. A rough stretch before his injury ballooned Pressly's ERA on the season to 3.86, while he's also holding a 1.41 WHIP with two saves and 49 strikeouts in 46 2/3 innings pitched in 2024. When he rejoins the Astros, he should return to a key late-inning setup role for the first-place Astros, making him valuable in deeper holds leagues.