Jason

Hirsh

It’s about time. Hirsh, who is 13-2 with a 2.13 ERA at Triple-A Round Rock, should be worth using in NL-only leagues right away. Mixed leaguers will want to keep an eye on him.

Hirsh is 13-2 with a 2.13 ERA in a hitter friendly environment, but the Astros have decided to go with Matt Albers over him on Thursday. If the club drops completely out of the race, perhaps Hirsh won’t get his opportunity this season.

Hirsh will make his major league debut against the Padres tonight. He’s worth using in NL-only leagues right away.

Hirsh allowed just three singles through the first three innings, but the Padres tagged him for three homers in a four-run fourth. Todd Walker, Josh Barfield and Mike Cameron all took him deep, and he didn’t come back out for the fifth after throwing 87 pitches. Hirsh struck out four and walked two. We still like him as an NL-only starter.

The Astros currently only have four starters on their roster. They won’t need to go with a fifth starter until Saturday and they are expected to keep Fernando Nieve in the bullpen so Hirsh or Dave Borkowski are the candidates to start. Hirsh has been great for Triple-A Round Rock this season and could have plenty of value in NL-only leagues if the Astros promote him.

Hirsh, who had a 7.61 ERA after five starts, is currently 8-2 with a 2.79 ERA, 73 H and 72/38 K/BB in 90 1/3 IP. If only Roger Clemens had picked another team, Hirsh would be quite the second-half sleeper in NL-only leagues. As is, he might have a tough time getting a chance.

He walked four, hit a batter and threw two wild pitches, so he’s still not showing the same kind of composure he did while going 13-2 in Triple-A. However, he is likely to keep improving. NL-only leaguers should have him active for his starts against the Reds and Pirates next week.

He lasted just 2 2/3 innings, giving up nine hits, including a pair of homers, and five walks. Things aren’t going well right now for the Astros’ second rounder from 2003. In three big-league appearances, he’s been hammered for 17 earned runs and six long balls in just 12 innings. Hirsh, 1-2, retired just seven of the 21 batters he faced, and had to throw 80 pitches -- just 44 for strikes -- in his brief outing. Even with the Pirates up next, he probably can’t be used in NL-only leagues right now.

He struck out seven and walked one. Opposing pitcher Jeff Fulchino had the lone hit of the game for Albuquerque. We’re assuming that Hirsh was removed after 64 pitches because he’s expected to pitch in Sunday’s Futures Game.

The Asros have Thursday off and will start Roy Oswalt on normal rest on Friday. If Roger Clemens can’t pitch on Saturday Hirsh will take his place.