Houston, TX (My Sportsbook) - The Houston Astros announced Wednesday evening that the team will place pitcher Brandon Backe on the 15-day disabled list with a left intercostal strain. Backe, who signed with the club in February, was slated to start Thursday's game against the New York Mets. However the injury Backe sustained Monday while throwing in the bullpen continued to linger and forced Houston to shelve the righthander. The move will be retroactive to Monday, July 25, because Backe pitched in a 14-inning win on Sunday against the Washington Nationals. Backe is in his first season as a starter and totes an 8-7 record with a 4.93 earned run average in 21 games. Backe, 27, was acquired by the Astros from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in December, 2003 in exchange for infielder Geoff Blum. Houston is expected to recall rookie Ezequiel Astacio from the club's Triple-A affiliate in Round Rock. Astacio will take Backe's spot in the rotation and will pitch Thursday's game versus the Mets. |
