March 19, 2008 The Astros outrighted Mark McLemore to minor league camp on Wednesday. They also reassigned Mike DeJean, Carlos Hines, Stephen Randolph, Victor Diaz, Nick Gorneault, J.R. House, and Alberto Castillo. The news doesn't mean much to fantasy teams, but it moves reliever Wesley Wright one step closer to making the roster.
March 13, 2008 The Astros eliminated Mark McLemore from the starting mix, this according to the team website. The left-hander will instead compete for a spot in the bullpen.
"I'm just happy I'm in the running for something," McLemore said. "The last few years, I'd go [to the manager's office] and they'd tell me I'm going to Minor League camp, out of the running completely. So, I'm OK with it."
The nine pitchers either considered locks for the rotation or candidates for a spot are Roy Oswalt, Brandon Backe, Wandy Rodriguez, Woody Williams (who should be eliminated), Chris Sampson, Shawn Chacon, Runelvys Hernandez, Jack Cassel and Brian Moehler.
June 29, 2007 Mark McLemore was recalled from Triple-A Thursday, giving the Astros another left-hander for their bullpen. He's been mildly effective at Round Rock (2.78 ERA, better than a strikeout per inning), though he's also walking too many batters (27 in 45 1/3 innings).
June 17, 2007 The Astros optioned Mark McLemore back to Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday. He didn't allow a run in his lone inning of action since begin recalled last week.
June 10, 2007 The Astros recalled Mark McLemore from Triple-A Round Rock Sunday. McLemore, who held a 3.12 ERA with 40 Ks in 40 1/3 innings for Round Rock, made his major league debut last month with a scoreless inning. Catcher Humberto Quintero was sent to Round Rock to make room on the roster.
