Report: Astros talking to Rays about relievers McGee, Boxberger

The Houston Astros appear to be preparing for life without free-agent left-handed reliever Tony Sipp.

Houston has talked with the Tampa Bay Rays about the availability of relievers Brad Boxberger and Jake McGee, according to Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle.

The Astros revamped their bullpen with the signings of Luke Gregerson and Pat Neshek last fall, and now they may be tasked with replacing Sipp, who fashioned a 1.99 ERA and 62 strikeouts over 54 1/3 innings last season.

McGee, a 29-year-old southpaw, would certainly fill the void in high-leverage situations. He has experience closing games and recorded a 2.41 ERA and 0.94 WHIP while holding left-handed hitters to a .200/.229/.378 slash line.

Boxberger, 27, struggled at times in his first full year as a closer, converting 41 of his 47 save opportunities. He commanded a 3.25 ERA prior to the All-Star break, but managed a 4.33 mark in the second half.

Both relievers are under team control for the foreseeable future: McGee can't elect free agency until 2018, while Boxberger won't be able to test the open market until 2020.