News
Wandy injured, Bourn ejected Saturday
Rodriguez strains right hamstring, outfielder tossed in fifth
By Brian McTaggart / MLB.com
08/01/09 9:04 PM ET
ST. LOUIS -- The Astros lost two of their key pieces within a few seconds of each other on Saturday night against the Cardinals, who claimed a 3-1 win, when center fielder Michael Bourn was ejected for arguing a call at second base and left-hander Wandy Rodriguez departed with a right hamstring strain.Bourn was ejected by second base umpire Paul Emmel, who called Bourn out to end the top of the fifth inning even though replays showed Bourn was safe. Rodriguez didn't come out of the dugout to start the bottom of the inning and was replaced by Jeff Fulchino.
Rodriguez injured his right hamstring during his at-bat in the previous half inning. He reached first base on a fielder's choice and soon head athletic trainer Nate Lucero and manager Cecil Cooper came out to check on him.
Rodriguez, making his first start in August after a stellar July, allowed three hits and one run in four innings and threw 53 pitches.
His injury is another blow for the Astros, who already have Lance Berkman on the disabled list with a strained calf and could place Roy Oswalt on the disabled list Monday if his back strain doesn't get better.
Brian McTaggart is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
