Astros' Blake Taylor: Beginning rehab assignment

Taylor (elbow) is beginning a minor-league rehab assignment Friday with Triple-A Sugar Land, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Taylor landed on the injured list just ahead of Opening Day after battling lingering elbow issues throughout the spring, but it would appear that the 27-year-old southpaw will be an option for the Astros' bullpen by the middle of April. Houston is currently carrying zero left-handed relievers.