Astros to place C McCann on DL, call up Federowicz

The Houston Astros will place catcher Brian McCann on the 10-day disabled list Tuesday with right knee soreness and purchase the contract of catcher Tim Federowicz from Triple-A Fresno, general manager Jeff Luhnow said.

McCann, 34, was 0-for-4 on Monday and has just one hit in his past 28 at-bats. After hitting .271 through his first 73 plate appearances this season, McCann is hitting just .164 over his past 58. Overall, he is hitting .219 with four home runs and 14 RBIs in 114 at-bats this season.

The Astros will need to make another roster move to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Federowicz, who was en route to New York on Tuesday for the second game of Houston's series against the Yankees.

Federowicz, 30, has six years of major league experience with a career batting average of .196. He signed a minor league deal with Houston in December and was hitting .337 with five homers and 18 RBIs in 113 plate appearances with Fresno.

McCann's primary backup, Max Stassi, will be in line for more work in his absence. Stassi is batting .300 this season but has also struck out 29 times in 89 plate appearances.

--Field Level Media