There were several transactions of note taking place in the National League in the past 24 hours. The Houston Astros optioned right-hander Dallas Kuechel to Triple-A and recalled right-hander Enerio Del Rosario, and the San Diego Padres optioned right-hander Nick Vincent to Triple-A and recalled right-hander Miles Mikolas.

#Astros officially recall RHP Enerio Del Rosario. He takes the roster spot of LHP Dallas Keuchel, who was optioned to Triple A OKC yesterday

— Houston Astros (@astros) July 5, 2012

#Padres recall Miles Mikolas; option Nick Vincent to Tucson.

— Jeff Sanders (@NCTPadres) July 5, 2012

The Astros move to option Keuchel to Triple-A was "a largely procedural move," reports Zachary Levine of the Houston Chronicle.

Dallas Keuchel was optioned to Class AAA Oklahoma City after Wednesday’s start in a largely procedural move that helps the Astros get some relief for their relievers.

Keuchel must stay down in the minor leagues at least 10 days. But since the All-Star break comes within those 10 days, even if he is needed for the rotation, he could return without missing a start.

Del Rosario maintained an ERA and WHIP of 4.45 and 1.454 over his 28 appearances spanning 32 1/3 innings with the Astros Triple-A affiliate.

Vincent appeared in four games with the Padres, allowing four runs on six hits and two walks with five strikeouts over his 4 2/3 innings of work. Mikolas made his major league debut earlier this season, posting an ERA and WHIP of 3.29 and 1.463 over 13 2/3 innings.

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Will Keuchel be right back with the Astros following the All-Star break?

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