Pedro

Astacio

Boston has yet to decide if Curt Schilling or Pedro Martinez will start the first game of the playoffs.

Boston will use the veteran in a long-relief role, with the possibility of a spot start during a double-header on October 2nd. Byung Hyun Kim is also expected to be recalled to help out the Sox’ bullpen for the stretch drive. Neither will have much fantasy value the rest of the season.

If so, the earliest Astacio would be available is an April 23 game against Houston at Shea.

The 34-year-old righthander, who allowed only three hits and a walk in a 4-3 victory over Trenton, will likely make two starts a Class AAA Pawtucket, and if all goes well, could join the Red Sox staff next month. Astacio may be used as a spot starter or long reliever if he makes it to Boston in September.

Astacio didn’t look very good while with Boston at the end of the season, but he’d still be a very good NRI. The Rockies are expected to have some interest in bringing him back to Colorado.

Astacio likely needs one more minor-league start before being activated. He’s tracking towards an April 23 start for the Mets.

Astacio fanned five, walked none and threw 90 pitches. He could make his season debut on Wednesday.

Astacio held out for a major league contract and it looks like he received one. He becomes a top candidate for one of the two open spots in the Texas rotation. Chris Young is the favorite for the other opening. Ricardo Rodriguez, Juan Dominguez, Joaquin Benoit and R.A. Dickey could also be part of the competition.

Agent Stephen Schneider said the two sides spoke Friday and plan to talk again Monday. The Pirates will probably have to guarantee Astacio money if they want him. He can get a minor league deal from a better team.

Did David Cone retire a week too early? The news on Astacio can hardly be called shocking, since he was pitching with a torn labrum. Mike Bacsik is being plugged into Astacio’s slot for the time being. More will be known about his condition after he meets with doctors.