Pressly gave up a solo home run but struck out two over one inning of work to earn the save in a 4-3 victory over the Angels on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Pressly made his first appearance since being reactivated from the 15-day injured list with a neck strain. He gave up a solo shot to Taylor Ward to make it a one-run game but he struck out the next two batters to close it out for his 26th save of the season. As long as Pressly's neck issues do not flare up again, he should continue to operate as Houston's closer down the stretch.

Pressly (neck) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Manager Dusty Baker said Tuesday that Pressly was still bothered by his neck issue, but the right-hander will ultimately be cleared to return ahead of Friday's series opener against the Angels. Pressly didn't require a rehab assignment prior to his activation, and he should reclaim his role as the Astros' primary closer while Rafael Montero shifts into a setup role.

Pressly (neck) still doesn't feel right, according to manager Dusty Baker, but he hasn't been shut down, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

He was previously expected to be activated from the injured list Tuesday, and it sounds like Pressly is now day-to-day with lingering neck discomfort. In the meantime, Rafael Montero should continue to work the ninth inning while Hector Neris handles the eighth.

Pressly (neck) is not on Tuesday's lineup card, so he is apparently not ready to be activated, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rafael Montero has been excelling as the fill-in closer and Hector Neris has been an excellent setup man recently. Pressly should be considered day-to-day for now.

Pressly (neck) threw a 26-pitch bullpen session Saturday and is on track to return when first eligible Tuesday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Pressly is out due to neck spasms, but that may be partially due to the fact that the Astros can afford to be extra cautious due to their comfortable lead atop the American League standings. Unless something goes wrong in the next two days, the veteran closer will be able to return as soon as possible and will not require a rehab assignment.

Pressly was placed on the 15-day injured list due to neck spasms Thursday, retroactive to Aug. 22, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Pressly was unavailable over the last two days due to neck stiffness, and the issue will ultimately force him to miss at least two weeks. Bryan Abreu earned a one-out save Tuesday, but Rafael Montero will likely be the top candidate to handle closing duties until Pressly is cleared to return.

Houston manager Dusty Baker said Pressly (neck) isn't expected to be available for Wednesday's game against Minnesota, Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet Southwest reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 33-year-old was unavailable for Tuesday's save opportunity due to neck stiffness and won't be an option for Baker again Wednesday. Pressly dealt with a similar neck issue earlier in August but was able to return to action within a few days. Rafael Montero is the likely candidate to step in for any potential save chances, though it was Bryan Abreu who locked down a one-out save Tuesday.

Pressly was unavailable during Tuesday's 4-2 win over the Twins due to neck stiffness, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Pressly was unavailable for a few days earlier in August with neck stiffness, and the issue has apparently resurfaced over the past couple days. The veteran right-hander last pitched Sunday against Atlanta, and he allowed two runs while picking up his 25th save of the year. It's unclear if he'll be available for Wednesday's matchup with Minnesota, and he should be considered day-to-day. Bryan Abreu secured a one-out save Tuesday, but Rafael Montero is the primary candidate for any save chances while Pressly is banged up.

Pressly allowed two runs on two hits in one inning against Atlanta on Sunday. He struck out one and earned a save.

EDGE Analysis

Sunday was the first time Pressly's been scored this month; he coughed up an RBI triple to Travis d'Arnaud and a run-scoring groundout to Vaughn Grissom before escaping with his 25th save. Pressly's ERA climbed to 3.11 with a 46:9 K:BB through 39 appearances. He's converted 25 of 29 saves on the year.

Pressly earned a save against the White Sox on Wednesday, striking out two batters in a perfect inning.

EDGE Analysis

Houston held a 3-2 lead after four innings, and the score hadn't changed by the time Pressly took the mound in the bottom of the ninth. The closer kept things that way, punching out the final two batters he faced to complete a perfect inning. Pressly has bounced back from a blown save against Seattle on July 31 to convert each of his subsequent two opportunities, tossing 3.2 scoreless frames and posting a 7:0 K:BB across his past four appearances.