Brandon

Puffer

Puffer hasn’t pitched in an exhibition since March 2 because of a bone spur in his right elbow.

Puffer is going to attempt to pitch this season with a bone spur in his elbow.

Puffer will return to the majors the next time the Astros need a reliever.

Puffer was just called up yesterday. We hope he wasn’t too excited about the possibility of spending the final month of the season with a contender.

With Ramiro Mendoza hurting, the Red Sox felt the need for another reliever. Puffer was picked over Anastacio Martinez.

Puffer is another pitcher who wouldn’t be a bad last option in a major league pen. The former Astro has a 4.75 ERA in 108 innings over the last three years, but he can handle right-handers pretty well.

Puffer, who had a 3.60 ERA for the Astros this month, could go back and forth between the majors and New Orleans all season.

Puffer has a 3.60 ERA this month, but the Astros have decided to keep Kirk Saarloos and Nate Bland over him.

Puffer gets the nod over Jeremy Accardo, Jeremy Fikac and Brandon Villafuerte. Manager Felipe Alou should try to spot him against right-handers in close games. Puffer’s struggles against lefties may prevent him from ever sticking in the majors.

Puffer, who had worked two scoreless innings, should have stuck around longer, but the Giants have other veterans they want to evaluate. They still might need Puffer’s ability to retire right-handers before season’s end.