November 18, 2008 Chris Sampson is reportedly doing well following elbow surgery, according to the Houston Chronicle. He said, "It's going real good. I get to see the doctor on Thursday."
Our View:He underwent surgery on October 1. He won't be ready to compete for a rotation spot in spring training, but could hold value to the Astros as a reliever when ready to return to the mound. He held a solid 1.20 WHIP over 117.1 innings in 2008.
October 2, 2008 Chris Sampson underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a lateral extensor tendon in his throwing elbow, according to the AP.
Our View:The 30-year-old righty is expected to be sidelined 4-6 months. He ended the 2008 season with a 4.22 ERA and 1.20 WHIP.
September 25, 2008 MLB.com reports that Chris Sampson confirmed on Thursday that he will undergo surgery to repair a tear in a tendon in his right elbow. Recovery time is expected to range from four to six months.
Our View:Sampson appeared in 54 games this season and made 11 starts. He was 6-4 with a 4.22 ERA. He will not be ready for the start of Spring Training and likely will not be back until mid-summer 2009.
September 23, 2008 Chris Sampson left Tuesday's game in the seventh inning with right lateral epicondylitis, more commonly known as tennis elbow, according to the AP. He is considered day-to-day.
Our View:The Astros will likely to the safe thing and shut Sampson down, but it doesn't really matter, since he has no fantasy value anyway.
July 5, 2008 Chris Sampson took advantage of a start picked up due to injury to Roy Oswalt, and he used the chance well in his fourth victory of the season. Sampson allowed a mere two hits, and no walks, in holding the Braves to one run over five innings.
Our View:Sampson could remain in the rotation depending on whether or not Oswalt finds himself on the DL, but counting on Sampson is akin to playing with fireworks - eventually you are going to get burned.
