Jared

Fernandez

Roy Oswalt is returning to the rotation Monday. Fernandez posted consecutive wins against the Padres in his last two starts and could still make a spot start or two this month.

Fernandez, who was designated for assignment on Tuesday, will accept the assignment and rejoin Nashville’s rotation.

Fernandez had a disappointing year, going 7-11 with a 4.77 ERA for Triple-A New Orleans. The knuckleballer should have little trouble clearing waivers.

Fernandez, a 32-year-old knuckleballer, made his major league debut with the Reds in 2001. He’ll likely be a part of Triple-A Louisville’s rotation.

Fernandez has a 1.31 ERA in three starts. The knuckleballer could join Houston’s rotation pretty soon if Brian Moehler continues to struggle.

Fernandez turns 34 in February, but since he’s a knuckleballer, there’s always a chance. He went 9-7 with a 3.82 ERA between two Triple-A teams last season and he’s currently 3-2 with a 3.15 ERA in 40 IP in the Dominican Winter League. Expect him to begin the season in Triple-A Nashville’s rotation.

Fernandez is expected to be ready for spring training. Whether he’ll still be with the Astros then is anyone’s guess.

Fernandez will certainly decline the assignment, but be sending the knuckleballer outright to the minors instead of releasing him, the Astros are leaving open the possibility of re-signing him. Fernandez had a 3.99 ERA in six starts and six relief appearances for Houston last season. He’s been worthy of a permanent rotation spot for a couple of years now.

Fernandez’s chances of making the team were ruined by his back injuries, but he’ll probably get another opportunity at some point. Johnson is getting cut despite working 6 1/3 shutout innings this spring.

Nice to see Fernandez finally open a season on a team’s active roster. The knuckleballer will be used mostly in long relief. He’ll also be the emergency starter.