Taylor signed a minor-league contract with the Rangers on Thursday and received an invitation to major-league spring training.

EDGE Analysis

Taylor spent all of last season with the Astros' Triple-A affiliate, where he put up a 5.15 ERA and 1.82 WHIP across 36.2 innings out of the bullpen. However, he boasts a 3.06 ERA across 79.1 frames in his major-league career and will have a chance to earn a spot in Texas' Opening Day bullpen.

The Astros designated Taylor for assignment Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Houston opted to swap Taylor off its 40-man roster in favor of another reliever in right-hander Jake Cousins (shoulder), whom the team claimed off waivers from the Brewers on Monday before activating him from the 15-day injured list and optioning him to Triple-A Sugar Land. Should he go unclaimed after hitting waivers himself, Taylor will likely stick around in the organization and join Cousins in the Sugar Land bullpen. Taylor made 92 appearances out of the Houston bullpen across the past three seasons but has pitched exclusively at the Triple-A level in 2023, submitting a 5.15 ERA, 1.82 WHIP and 25:22 K:BB in 36.2 innings.

Taylor (elbow) was activated from the 15-day injured list and optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Taylor did well in Triple-A during his rehab assignment, throwing 3.1 scoreless frames over four appearances. However, he will have to remain in the minors for the time being. If he maintains a high level of play, he could find himself back in Houston's bullpen at some point this season.

Taylor (elbow) is beginning a minor-league rehab assignment Friday with Triple-A Sugar Land, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Taylor landed on the injured list just ahead of Opening Day after battling lingering elbow issues throughout the spring, but it would appear that the 27-year-old southpaw will be an option for the Astros' bullpen by the middle of April. Houston is currently carrying zero left-handed relievers.

Taylor (elbow) was placed on the 15-day injured list Thursday, retroactive to March 27.

EDGE Analysis

Taylor didn't appear in any spring training games due to a left elbow strain and isn't available to begin the season. He also missed time due to an elbow issue last year, and it's unclear how long he's expected to be sidelined.

Taylor (elbow) is throwing in camp but has yet to appear in a Grapefruit League game, Matt Young of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Taylor was bothered by an elbow injury in 2022, which limited him to 16 innings in Houston. He struggled mightily with his command by walking 10 batters, which resulted in an ugly 1.56 WHIP. It's unclear when Taylor may be able to return to the mound, though his absence opens the door for Matt Gage to make the Opening Day roster.

Taylor and the Astros agreed on a one-year, $830,000 contract Friday to avoid arbitration, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

The left-handed reliever appeared in 19 games with the Astros last season, producing a 3.94 ERA and 1.56 WHIP with 19 strikeouts over 16 innings pitched. Taylor will likely remain a middle relief option for Houston in 2023.

Taylor was optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Taylor had been sidelined since June 3, and he will continue to get back in game shape in the minors. Manager Dusty Baker told reporters that Taylor is in consideration for a spot on Houston's postseason roster, and he'll be helped by the fact that he's a southpaw in a bullpen otherwise lacking lefty options. Prior to hitting the injured list, Taylor struggled to a 3.94 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 9:10 K:BB across 16 innings in the majors.

Taylor (elbow) was activated from the 60-day injured list Tuesday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

He has been on the shelf since June 3 and gave up two runs on two hits and three walks while striking out five in five innings through five rehab appearances. Taylor should work in low-to-mid leverage positions down the stretch.

Taylor (elbow) was cleared to resume his rehab assignment at Triple-A Sugar Land on Thursday and has given up two earned runs on two hits and two walks over 1.2 innings in his two appearances.

EDGE Analysis

Taylor was pulled off the assignment for approximately two weeks after dealing with posterior elbow discomfort, but the lefty is in the process of ramping up again. Expect Houston to use most of the 30-day rehab window to evaluate Taylor before activating him from the 60-day injured list later this month.