News
Maysonet to pitch in for red-hot Astros
Houston (50-46) vs. New York (44-51), 6:05 p.m. CT
By Jason Grodsky / MLB.com
07/25/09 1:48 AM ET
HOUSTON -- Edwin Maysonet is back up in the big leagues, but this time around he's not trying to help the Astros get back into contention in the National Central race, he's trying to put them over the top. Maysonet, recalled from Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday after Houston placed first baseman Lance Berkman on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left calf muscle, returns to the Astros clubhouse with the team just 1 1/2 games out of first place in the NL Central, a big contrast from the seven games Houston was out when he was called up for his first stint with the club this season on May 22. "This is a team sport, and I like that we're a game and a half out and it's exciting," Maysonet said. "There is going to be more competition, and teams are going to play harder against us. All we have to do is relax, focus and play the same game we've been playing for the last two weeks." In his first go-round this season, Maysonet hit .315 in 19 games. During a 17-game stretch, starting when he made his debut as a pinch-hitter on May 22, the 27-year-old played in 15 games, starting 12, filling in for then-injured Kazuo Matsui at second base. In that stretch, he hit .341 with a .396 on-base percentage and a .455 slugging percentage. When Matsui was activated from the 15-day disabled list after missing 18 games, Maysonet's playing time diminished, and he was sent back down when the Astros activated third baseman Geoff Blum on June 27. Maysonet has hit .241 with a home run and eight RBIs in 45 games at Round Rock this season. "I'm here to help the team," Maysonet said. "I'll pinch-run, bunt or whatever they need me for. I'm guessing it will be the same situation where I come off the bench, but whatever they decided, I'm going to do my best to try and help the team win." Maysonet most likely won't see as much playing time as he did in his first stint with the Astros. Manager Cecil Cooper said he would be used mostly as a bench player and defensive specialist, and that he is glad to have his versatility. "He'll pretty much be in the same role," manager Cecil Cooper said. "He's going to be a utility guy that we can use all over the place. If we need him to pinch-run or hit or whatever, he'll be there and fill that role." Pitching matchupHOU: RHP Russ Ortiz (3-4, 4.33 ERA)
Ortiz, who criticized manager Cecil Cooper for taking him out of the game after only three innings in his final start before the All-Star break on July 9, was allowed to navigate his way through six innings on a hot Sunday in Los Angeles, allowing five hits and two runs against the Dodgers. Ortiz is 9-7 with a 5.20 ERA in 18 career games against the Mets, including 17 starts. NYM: LHP Jon Niese (0-0, 5.91 ERA)
Nieve was to start the Mets' game against the Astros on Saturday, but he strained his right quadriceps running the bases Sunday in Atlanta and was placed on the disabled list. And so it will be Niese, who has won his past five decisions for Triple-A Buffalo, and who holds a 0.72 ERA in his seven most recent starts. Niese has not faced the Astros in any of his five career starts. Tidbits
Astros Minor League catcher Jason Castro has been selected to be one of the two catchers to represent the United States in the upcoming 2009 IBAF World Cup. Castro, the Astros' first-round Draft pick in 2008, is hitting .295 with two home runs and 13 RBIs in 29 games since being promoted to Double-A Corpus Christi on June 10. He will report to the U.S. team on Sept. 1 in Cary, N.C., and then travel to the Czech Republic on Sept. 6 to begin the 22-team tournament, which begins play on Sept. 9. Tickets
Buy tickets now to catch the game in person.
On the Internet
MLB.TV
Gameday Audio• Gameday
• Official game notes On television
• FS-H HD On radio
• KTRH 740, KLAT 1010 (Español) Up next
• Sunday: Astros (Brian Moehler, 7-5, 4.92) vs. Mets (Livan Hernandez, 6-5, 4.93), 1:05 p.m. CT
• Monday: Astros (Wandy Rodriguez, 10-6, 2.72) at Cubs (Rich Harden, 6-6, 4.76), 7:05 p.m. CT
• Tuesday: Astros (Roy Oswalt, 6-4, 3.66) at Cubs (Carlos Zambrano, 7-4, 3.48), 7:05 p.m. CT
Jason Grodsky is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
