The San Diego Padres claimed Astros pitcher Linebrink off waivers. Linebrink claimed off waivers. SAN DIEGO, CA -- The San Diego Padres today claimed right-handed pitcher Scott Linebrink off waivers from the Houston Astros and outrighted left-handed pitcher Randy Keisler to Portland. Padres Executive Vice President/General Manager Kevin Towers made the announcement. Linebrink, 26, appeared in nine games for the Astros, including six starts. The 6-2, 200-pound Linebrink was 1-1 with a 4.26 ERA (15 ER/31.2 IP) with 17 strikeouts over his nine games before being designated for assignment by Houston on May 24. Linebrink, who made his last start for the Astros on May 17 vs. the Philadelphia Phillies, going 5.0 innings and allowing three runs on five hits, was 0-1 with a 2.31 ERA (3 ER/11.2 IP) on the road. Originally drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the second round of the 1997 First-Year Player Draft, Linebrink has appeared in 51 Major League games with the Giants (2000) and Astros (2000-03), going 1-1 with a 5.17 ERA (45 ER/78.1 IP) and 56 strikeouts. Linebrink is scheduled to join the Padres tomorrow as the club opens its four-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Qualcomm Stadium. Keisler, 27, appeared in two games with the Padres (both starts), going 0-1 with a 12.00 ERA (8 ER/6.0 IP). Keisler, who was recalled from Triple-A Portland on May 16, was 5-1 with a 2.61 ERA (12 ER/41.1 IP) with the Beavers at the time of his recall. He originally signed a minor league contract with the Padres on February 15, 2003 after having spent all of 2002 recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder. This is horrible, he was a quality reliever/starter and the Astros released him for Tripp Cromer Worst move of the year by far.
Yep lord knows the Pads need some pitching help but I am sorry to see him go. He got caught up in a numbers game and screwed of fhte team. CK
