Tim

Redding

Redding will face the Pirates on Tuesday and try to improve on his 10.22 ERA and 2.108 WHIP.

Redding threw a bullpen session without incident yesterday. He looks good to use against the Devil Rays on Sunday.

Redding left his start Tuesday after four innings with a strained rib muscle in his right side. ''We’ll just have to wait and see,’' manager Jimy Williams said. ''It’s not a lock either way.’'

Munro will start Thursday against the Cubs with Redding going to the bullpen because of his 0-3, 7.88 ERA in June.

May has been Redding’s only month this season with a sub-5.00 ERA, which is not to say he doesn’t have the ability to put together a nice stretch, but he’s barely worth using in NL-only leagues.

He will take the place of Brandon Duckworth, who was optioned to Class AAA New Orleans yesterday. Redding did not have much success as the Astros’ fifth starter before his demotion to the bullpen. In 14 starts he posted a 3-6 record with a 6.03 ERA. New manager Phil Garner wants to give Redding another shot. He could do much better this time around.

Redding still could start if Andy Pettitte can’t pitch Saturday, but the plan is for him to return to the pen after he gave up six runs -- three earned -- in 10 2/3 innings in his two starts.

Redding gave up four hits, walked one and struck out four. His ERA is back down to 4.02.

Redding has a 3.60 ERA in 27 starts for Charlotte this year. In August, he has a 2.38 ERA and a 35/6 K/BB ratio in 34 innings. The White Sox might not have much need for him next month, but the strong finish will help his chances of receiving a real opportunity to make a team next spring.

Redding was 1-3 with a 6.04 ERA, 30 H and 26/12 K/BB in 28 1/3 IP since being sent down. The Astros will use him out of the pen and hope for the best. He’s a good bet to be traded in the offseason.