Jose Cisnero returned to Houston Thursday to be examined by a team doctor as he deals with right elbow discomfort. The Astros still don't have the results of the exam, so they're not sure whether Cisnero will need a DL stint. Clarity on his status should be achieved before long. "He had some discomfort, and so we let him come in the next day and get evaluated and we felt we needed to have him see our doctors and we sent him here," said general manager Jeff Luhnow.

Astros recalled RHP Jose Cisnero from Triple-A Oklahoma City. He's taking Matt Albers' (shoulder) spot in the bullpen. Cisnero earned the call-up after posting a 2.45 ERA with 18 strikeouts over 11 Triple-A frames.

Astros optioned RHPs Jose Cisnero, Collin McHugh and Chia-Jen Lo and LHP Rudy Owens to Triple-A Oklahoma City; reassigned C Tyler Heineman to minor league camp. There were some bullpen candidates here, but none of the moves are terribly surprising. All of the players optioned to Triple-A should get a shot at some point at the big league level this season.

Astros optioned RHP Jose Cisnero to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Cisnero was discussed as a potential replacement at closer for Jose Veras, but he has really struggled recently, posting a 12.38 ERA over his last 10 appearances. Josh Fields is the favorite for save chances at this point.

Astros manager Bo Porter said Tuesday that he will use a committee at closer going forward. Jose Veras was traded to the Tigers on Monday morning, leaving a job opening at the back end of the Astros' bullpen. Jose Cisnero is young and has good stuff, but he hasn't pitched well enough lately to earn Porter's trust. He's still the best fantasy option right now.

Jose Cisnero is likely to take over at closer for the Astros in the wake of the Jose Veras trade. Veras was dealt to the Tigers on Monday morning for outfield prospect Danry Vasquez. Cisnero, 24, boasts a 3.48 ERA and 40/19 K/BB ratio in 41 1/3 innings this season as a setup man. He's a must-own in standard leagues.

Astros manager Bo Porter said Jose Cisnero will continue to be used in key late-game situations. Cisnero got the win Saturday against the Cubs with two scoreless innings and hasn't allowed an earned run over his last 18 1/3 frames. It's possible the 24-year-old could eventually get a look in the closer role if Jose Veras falters.

Astros recalled RHP Jose Cisnero from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Cisnero has surrendered 13 hits and 10 runs -- nine earned -- over 8 2/3 innings this season at the Triple-A level. He will operate as a mop-up man for the Astros.

The Astros are preparing to call up right-hander Jose Cisnero from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Cisnero should be officially added to Houston's 25-man roster before Monday night's game against the Mariners. He will presumably operate as a middle reliever.