Astros place Brown on IL with shoulder strain

The Houston Astros placed right-hander Hunter Brown on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder strain, the team announced Sunday.

The move is retroactive to April 2.

Brown started against the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday, striking out eight across six innings and allowing just one hit. His shoulder "didn't feel right" during his throwing program on Friday, and he has since been sent to Houston to be evaluated by team doctors, manager Joe Espada said Sunday, according to Matt Kawahara of The Houston Chronicle.

The 27-year-old has been terrific for the Astros in his two starts this season, allowing one earned run and five hits while striking out 17 in 10 2/3 innings.

Brown, who finished third in AL Cy Young voting last season, will have his roster spot filled by right-hander Christian Roa.