Astros' Gregerson takes leave as wife goes into labor

The reeling Houston Astros will be without their closer for Wednesday's game against the Texas Rangers (and possibly longer), as Luke Gregerson has taken leave from the team to be with his wife, who recently went into labor.

Gregerson, who signed a three-year, $18.5-million deal with Houston last winter, has thrived in his first season with the Astros, managing a 2.98 ERA with a career-best 5:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 56 appearances.

The 31-year-old last pitched Sunday when he tossed a perfect ninth inning to collect his 27th save of the season in a 5-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

In his absence, the Astros - which fell to second place in the American League West following Tuesday's 6-5 loss at Globe Life Park - will likely turn to either Pat Neshek or Chad Qualls in a potential save situation.

Neshek, another offseason addition, boasts a 3.16 ERA over 60 appearances as the club's primary setup man, while Qualls owns a 3.99 ERA through 55 games pitching predominantly in high-leverage situations.