Paulino is pitching like he deserves to be in the majors. With Backe and Moehler doing rehab duty in Round Rock, one has to wonder what the Astros are thinking. I can understand Moehler coming back to the rotation, but at who's expense? Ortiz, who has looked better and better in his last few starts? Do you send Paulino back down even though he's been pitching very well and his upside is much greater than Ortiz, Moehler, and Backe? IMO, the rotation at this moment should be... Oswalt Wandy Hampton Paulino Moehler or Ortiz with the loser going to the pen. Backe should be released or left in AAA.
Here's Moehler's stats from his rehab stint with the Hooks (not pretty): Date OPP W L ERA SV IP H ER BB SO Apr 29 @MID 0 0 14.40 0 5.0 11 8 0 2 Paulino may get to stay in for a while.
I wouldn't give Moehler his job back, that's for sure. Nope. Paulino has been good. He stays. Ortiz as #5 ... at least until they see how efficient Backe is in relief.
Paulino got his brains beat in against Milwaukee at the Juice Box. 10 hits over 6 innings. So it has not been all peaches and cream.
But Paulino is young and a potential fixture in our rotation. It makes no sense ot pull him while he is gaining confidence.
Moehler doesn't belong in the rotation. I figured at the beginning he wouldn't finish the year in the rotation. Move him to the bullpen. Trade him or release him before the end of the year.
