September 11, 2008 Alberto Arias has been slated to start Friday against the Cubs, according to the Houston Chronicle. Brandon Backe, who was skipped from his scheduled start Monday due to tightness in his right forearm, threw a pen session Wednesday and expects to be ready to start Saturday if manager Cecil Cooper wants him to face the Cubs.
Our View:Arias will be pitching on short rest instead of the usual four days off as he took the hill in Monday's win against the Pirates. He pitched five strong innings without issuing an earned run and holds a 1.93 ERA and 1.12 WHIP over 18.2 innings for the season. He is worth a look in deeper NL-only leagues for Friday's start, despite a tough assignment against Chicago.
September 10, 2008 Alberto Arias may get another start for the Astros on Saturday, as Brandon Backe is dealing with arm issues and Wandy Rodriguez is still suffering from an oblique problem, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Our View:Arias' last start was a five inning shutout of Pittsburgh. He has a 1.93 ERA in 18.2 innings this season and it may not hurt to give him a look in deep NL-only leagues.
July 31, 2008 The Astros claimed Alberto Arias off waivers from the Rockies Thursday. Arias held a 2.3 ERA in 12 games with the Rox.
Our View:The diminutive righty (5-11, 155 pounds) has had a pretty decent year at Triple-A Colorado Springs, as well, but we wouldn't bet on him doing much in the long term.
May 7, 2008 The Rockies recalled right-handed reliever Alberto Arias from Triple-A Colorado Springs on Monday night and optioned left-handed reliever Josh Newman to the farm.
Our View:Arias appeared in six games last season recording a win in 7.1 innings of work. The right-hander has no fantasy value.
April 29, 2007 Alberto Arias was recalled from Triple-A Sunday. He'll be working in middle relief for the Rockies.
