Chris

Sampson

The Astros still haven’t announced who will start Wednesday, but this takes away one candidate. Matt Albers might be the choice.

Sampson, a 28-year-old right-hander, allowed three runs in 5 1/3 innings of relief last week in his major league debut. He’s not an option in NL-only leagues.

Sampson showed very good command of his sinker on Wednesday, but this was a lot about the Cubs being a really lousy team. Sampson had a no-hitter going until he failed to grab John Mabry’s roller between the mound and first base in the fifth inning. The Cubs then came up with two singles in the seventh. Dan Wheeler took over in the eighth, and Brad Lidge finished the three-hitter for his 15th save. Sampson certainly earned himself another start with the performance, but he’s not a good bet in NL-only leagues. Only because he’ll face the Cubs again is he worth using.

Sampson, a 28-year-old who will be making his major league debut, was 7-1 with a 2.64 ERA, 53 H and 35/5 K/BB in 61 1/3 innings for Round Rock. He doesn’t have much in the way of upside, but he could be of some use as a middle reliever.

Sampson has a 3.52 ERA in 15 1/3 innings for the Astros this season. He’ll work in middle relief.

Sampson will throw at least one more bullpen session before heading out on a minor league rehab assignment.

Sampson had quietly done a very nice job at the back of the Astros’ rotation. With Brandon Backe still recovering from Tommy John surgery, Matt Albers figures to replace Sampson in the rotation.

“However long they’ll let me throw is what I’ll do,” Sampson said. “Of course, I’m going to want to push it and throw probably a little harder just to see where we’re at and how it feels.”

“No pain, no nothing,” Sampson said. “I didn’t throw anything real hard. It was nice and easy, and the ball came out of my hands pretty good.” Sampson will play long toss Sunday and hopes to be ready to come off the disabled list in about a week.

Sampson walked four and gave up eight hits, three of which were homers that accounted for four of the runs. The right-hander’s control means he should be able to eat some innings for the Astros, but the 3.29 ERA he had three starts ago wasn’t going to hold up. Thanks to poor outings against the Angels and Rockies, that ERA is up to 4.15.