The Houston Astros, who are in definite need of a boost, will bring starting pitcher Wandy Rodriguez off the disabled list to start against the Atlanta Braves today. Surviving the roster shuffle that occurred due to Rodriguez’s activation is young starter Jordan Lyles, possibly the only reason to watch Astros baseball at this point. Anuery Rodriguez, the Rule Five pick who started the year in the bullpen, will now shift back there after putting up a 5.80 ERA in eight starts.
The sacrificial lamb of the whole scenario was reliever Jeff Fulchino, who was sent down after Sunday’s game to make room for Rodriguez. Fulchino had a 4.88 ERA in 30 games this year, and has now been filler at best for the last year-and-a-third. Of course, that still makes him better than Brandon Lyon has been, but that didn’t seem to factor into the Astros decision despite a horrendous season so far.
Houston will take on Atlanta later today trying to break a string where they’ve lost eight of nine games.