Manager Dusty Baker said Tuesday that Greinke (neck) will "probably not" make another regular-season start and that that there is a "distinct possibility" the right-hander works out of the bullpen during the playoffs, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Astros previously expressed hope that Greinke would return to the starting rotation by the end of the regular season, but Baker's latest update suggests that he may be unlikely to return before the playoffs. Greinke struggled severely in his last three starts before landing on the IL last Friday, allowing 18 earned runs on 19 hits and six walks across 13 innings. WIth those woes in mind, it's easy to see why Houston thinks the seasoned right-hander could be better suited for a bullpen role during the postseason. Per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com, Greinke is expected to make a rehab outing with Triple-A Sugar Land on Thursday before his next steps are determined.