Astros' Brandon Bielak: Beginning season in minors

The Astros optioned Bielak to Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The righty only appeared in five games last season but was moderately effective as a multi-inning reliever in 2021, posting a 4.50 ERA in 50 innings. Barring injury or serious struggles in Sugar Land, Bielak should join the Astros at some point in the regular season.