Fernando

Nieve

He struck out eight. It was rumored that Nieve was the player the Astros would have given up to acquire Jamie Moyer from the Mariners. If so, he would have been the best prospect traded at the deadline.

Nieve had pitched 5 1/3 scoreless innings in four relief appearances since being sent down on July 22. The Astros will use him out of the bullpen and maybe try him in close games if he’s successful initially.

“Jim Hickey told me I’m going to be in the bullpen,” said Nieve. “I just have to keep working and doing my job.” Taylor Buchholz will remain in the rotation instead of Nieve. Chris Sampson or Dave Borkowski will be demoted to make room on the roster for Clemens.

It was just the second win in 10 starts this year for Nieve, who was considered the top candidate to be bumped from the rotation following the return of Roger Clemens in two weeks. It’s still possible that he could overtake Taylor Buchholz.

Nieve strengthened his case for sticking in the rotation following Roger Clemens’ returns next week. It looks like Taylor Buchholz will head to the pen to make room for Clemens.

Both runs scored on a pair of solo homers by Austin Kearns and Ryan Freel. Nieve has just one quality starts in nine tries for the Astros, so he’s not an option in fantasy leagues at the moment. It’s likely that he will head to the bullpen once Roger Clemens is ready on June 22, so Nieve doesn’t have much long-term value either.

Nieve gave up six hits, walked two, and struck out five. He had allowed just one run through six innings, but a three-run homer by Jose Bautista with one out in the sixth gave the Pirates a 4-0 lead. Nieve shouldn’t be used in most formats against the Reds next time out.

Nieve is 1-3 with a 5.56 ERA in 11 games this season. He has made eight starts.

Nieve was expected to come back out for the sixth after throwing a scoreless fifth, but Brad Lidge replaced him. He might have to follow Brandon Backe to the disabled list.

Nieve has soreness in his right triceps. He threw in the outfield prior to Sunday’s game, but began to feel sore after 10 or 15 throws. A trip to the disabled list isn’t out of the question.