Source: Astros’ outfielder Joey Loperfido optioned to Triple-A

The Houston Astros have optioned outfielder Joey Loperfido to Triple-A Sugar Land, a league source told KPRC 2.

Loperfido is being sent down to clear a spot for first baseman Jose Abreu’s return. The rookie outfielder hit .333 with 1 home run and 5 RBI in 14 games with the big league club.

• Jose Abreu says return is imminent as he works through problems

Abreu returns to the Astros lineup after missing nearly a month. The first baseman spent time in West Palm Beach, playing complex league games to try to rework his swing. Abreu played in two games for the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, going 0-7 with 3 strikeouts and a walk at the Triple-A level.

Loperfido returns to Sugar Land, where he hit 13 home runs, which led the minor leagues at the time of his call-up.