Astros’ September call-ups likely to be few

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A week from Thursday, major league rosters expand for the season’s final 32 days.

The Astros’ contingent of September call-ups from Class AAA is expected to be small. Their most prominent additions in the next two to three weeks will come via returning injured players in left-handed hitting outfielders Colby Rasmus (ear surgery) and Preston Tucker (strained shoulder).

Those the Astros are likely to summon from Fresno as depth for the stretch run are each players who have already spent time in the majors this season. First baseman Tyler White, catcher Max Stassi and righthanded relievers James Hoyt and Jandel Gustave are the likeliest candidates to rejoin the team before its series against the Texas Rangers in Arlington that begins Sept. 2.

Class AAA starter Brady Rodgers, who would need to be added to the Astros' 40-man roster, is another possibility to come up and pitch in long relief.

Tucker, on a rehab assignment with Class AA Corpus Christi, should rejoin the Astros on or within a couple days of Sept. 1. Rasmus, who only just resumed baseball activities within the last few days, might not return until closer to the middle of September.