Pressly (knee) was throwing in the bullpen prior to Houston's game Wednesday against the Angels, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Pressly was placed on the injured list April 16, though the move was retroactive to April 14. He has since had fluid drained from his right knee, but he is apparently feeling well enough to resume throwing. Though no firm timetable has been set, Houston has kept open the possibility that Pressly could be activated after being sidelined the minimum 10 days.

Pressly believes that his dip in velocity may have been caused by the knee injury that landed him on the injured list April 16, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Pressly was averaging just 92.8 mph on his fastball prior to being placed on the injured list, nearly three ticks off his pace from the 2021 season. He was still largely effective with the decreased velocity, as he successfully converted three of his four save chances. However, with Hector Neris and Rafael Montero pitching well in high-leverage roles out of the Astros' bullpen, Pressly will need to remain effective to maintain his status as the team's closer.

Pressly was placed on the 10-day injured list with right knee inflammation Friday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Pressly blew the save and took the loss Wednesday in Arizona when he allowed two runs (one earned) on a hit and two walks in one-third of an inning. It's possible that the injury contributed to his struggles, and the right-hander will have at least a week and a half to recover. In spite of Wednesday's rough outing, Pressly should reclaim closing duties upon his return. Hector Neris and Ryne Stanek are candidates for ninth-inning duties while Pressly is sidelined.

Pressly (0-1) gave up two runs (one earned) on a hit and two walks in 0.1 innings in a 3-2 loss Wednesday in Arizona.

EDGE Analysis

Pressly entered in the 10th with the Astros leading 2-1. The automatic runner was sacrificed to third and then driven in on a single by Seth Beer. Following two walks, Ketel Marte walked it off with a sacrifice fly that was misplayed by leftfielder Chas McCormick, preventing any chance of a play at the plate. Pressly had been a perfect 3-for-3 in save chances to start the season.

Pressly saved a 2-1 triumph over Arizona on Tuesday, allowing one hit with one strikeout in a scoreless ninth inning.

EDGE Analysis

Pressly was able to work around a leadoff single to deliver his league-lead tying third save in three appearances. He's been efficient with no more than 11 pitches thrown in any outing, though the 33-year-old has recorded only two strikeouts thus far.

Pressly picked up the save in Sunday's 4-1 victory over the Angels, striking out one in a clean ninth inning.

EDGE Analysis

Pressly struck out Jo Adell on five pitches before retiring the next two Angels on consecutive pitches for an easy save. If he stays healthy, the 33-year-old is well on his way to surpassing a career-high 26 saves from 2021 as the clear-cut best option for saves on a Houston team with high expectations.

Pressly allowed one hit in a scoreless ninth inning to record the save Thursday against the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

Pressly didn't have to wait long for his first save opportunity of the season, and he made quick work of the Angels. He allowed a leadoff single to Mike Trout, but then retired the next batter before a double play ended the game. Pressly continued to experience declined fastball velocity, topping out at 92.6 mph with his fastball, though it didn't harm his effectiveness in this outing.

Pressly agreed to a two-year, $30 million contract extension with the Astros on Tuesday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Pressly is under contract for 2022 after his $10 million option vested in September, and he's now reached a new deal with the Astros for at least two more years. The extension also includes a $14 million option for a third year, which includes a $2 million buyout that will vest if he makes at least 50 appearances in both 2023 and 2024, per Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle. The 33-year-old has been dominant since being acquired from Minnesota in 2018 and has a 2.21 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 214:35 K:BB over 162.2 innings for Houston. Pressly went 26-for-28 in save opportunities during 2021 and will work as the Astros' closer again this year.

Pressly's fastball velocity is roughly three mph lower this spring than his average last season (92.4 vs. 95.4), but he is not concerned, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. "Relievers run off adrenaline and there's no adrenaline here," Pressly said earlier this week. "I'm not really worried about velocity. I'd rather be 92, 94 than 97, 98 all over the place."

EDGE Analysis

A lot of pitchers' velocities are down this spring, so this isn't necessarily a major red flag, but it's something to consider when comparing Pressly to other elite closers in drafts. Hector Neris seems like the obvious next man up if Pressly were to suffer an injury or decline in effectiveness.

Pressly will remain under contract with the Astros through 2022 after his $10 million team option vested in September, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Per the terms of the extension Pressly inked with the Astros in March 2019, his option for 2022 vested with a prorated 60 appearances in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season and with 60 appearances in 2021. After narrowly reaching the benchmark in 2020 with 23 appearances (he needed 22), Pressly made his 60th appearance of 2021 with about a week and a half remaining in the season. Even at an eight-figure salary for 2022, Pressly still looks like a bargain for Houston, as he's been one of baseball's top bullpen arms over the past four years. His 4.7 WAR since his July 27, 2018 acquisition from the Twins trails only Liam Hendriks (7.9) and Josh Hader (5.1) among all qualified relievers during that stretch.