Tyler White to join Astros in Detroit

With Doug Fister expected to go on the paternity leave list this weekend, the Astros will have the benefit of an extra position player for their road series against the Tigers.

Tyler White will join the Astros in Detroit, according to sources. The first baseman's addition comes at an opportune time for a team that has seen Luis Valbuena and Carlos Gomez strain their hamstrings in back-to-back nights.

White, who gives manager A.J. Hinch an additional right-handed bat off the bench, has gotten back on track since his demotion to Class AAA last month. In 34 games with Fresno, he batted .288 with 11 home runs and a .935 OPS.

White has seen time at third base, shortstop and in left field in recent games but that's more a product of Fresno's roster than any organizational efforts to increase his versatility. He batted .211 with a .682 OPS in 166 major league at-bats to begin the season.

Once a player goes on the paternity leave list, he can take as many as three days away from his team. The Astros, who are off Thursday, are not expected to announce any roster moves until Friday.

Fister last started on Tuesday, so he is not in line to pitch again until Monday's series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays at Minute Maid Park.