Humber Gone; Edgar Gonzalez Signed

In a move which was expected at any moment, the Astros finally pulled the plug on the Philip Humber experiment. Humber sealed his fate on Saturday, allowing five runs in just 0.2 IP, in a one run loss to the Rangers. The Astros used the open spot to bring in Edgar Gonzalez.

Humber started the year in the rotation as the number three pitcher. His first three turns were pretty impressive as he had a 2.89 ERA in 18.2 IP. However, when the Indians came to MMP, Humber gave up eight earned runs and recorded just one out. From there Humber struggled the rest of the year before being sent to the bullpen. After one solid appearance on Thursday, Humber sealed his fate by blowing the game for the Astros on Saturday. When Humber signed with the Astros, it seemed like a decent move, as (just like with any over 28-year old) the Astros were hoping for success with the chance of possibly shipping him at the deadline for a decent piece. Humber finished his run with the Astros with a 9.59 ERA, 2.02 WHIP, and an 0-8 record. Humber joins Rick Ankiel (so far), as a failed signing from this offseason.

With a bullpen spot open, the Astros signed Edgar Gonzalez to a major-league contract. Gonzalez, 30, has a 5.88 career ERA. He joined the Astros for September last year, and had a 3-1 record along with a 5.04 ERA. Gonzalez was with the Astros in spring training, giving up two earned runs in 10 innings. After breaking camp with the Astros, he was DFA’d on April 5th. The Blue Jays claimed him, and he appeared in three games before being DFA’d by Toronto. The Astros will likely use Gonzalez as a long relief pitcher, though it’s possible we see him in the rotation if another starter struggles. Gonazalez will be in uniform today, and hopes to stick on the team for the season.