Astros claim Lance Pendleton from Yanks

Houston native Lance Pendleton is back with the Astros organization. The right-hander was claimed off waivers from the Yankees on Friday. Pendleton, who turns 28 this month, was with the Astros as a rule 5 pick in Spring Training. Although he had a nice spring, the former Rice University pitcher was returned to the Yankees prior to the start of the regular season.

Pendleton competed for a spot in the Astros starting rotation in Spring Training. He has been used primarily as a starter in the minor leagues, making 98 starts in his six year career. The Yankees used Pendleton out of the bullpen after recalling him in early April. Pendleton appeared in only eleven games for New York this season.  After being sent down to AAA Pendleton started ten games and made eight relief appearances. His caerer mark of 3.2 BB/9 IP in the minors suggests that command could be an issue. Pendleton said it has always been his dream to pitch for the Astros. It looks like that dream is about to come true. Pendleton will be joining the team in Washington this weekend and should be working out of the Astros bullpen for the remainder of the season.