Wandy

Rodriguez

''It feels a little better,’' he said. ''Yesterday in the first it was tight, but I was fine in the second inning.’'

Five of the runs scored in the second inning. It was a disappointing performance, but pitching at Arizona was probably the toughest assignment Rodriguez will have all month. He’s scheduled face the Nationals, Cubs, Brewers and Dodgers in his next four starts, so he’s worth owning in NL-only leaguers for the short-term.

He walked two and gave up seven hits, two of which were solo home runs. Rodriguez has just five quality starts in 14 tires, yet somehow still has recorded a 7-5 record.

Roger Clemens wishes Rodriguez would share the wealth. The Astros have averaged 5.8 runs in the left-hander’s starts.

''I played long toss, and it didn’t bother me that much,’' he said. ''It hurts a bit. When I squeeze it, it hurts. But it doesn’t bother me when I play long toss.’' Rodriguez will throw a bullpen session today and should be ready to start on schedule Saturday against the Brewers. ''I should be fine to start,’' he said.

Rodriguez has allowed 15 runs in 14 2/3 innings since being sent down last month. It doesn’t look like he’ll reclaim a rotation spot anytime soon.

The Astros have had to alter their rotation due to Roy Oswalt’s back injury. Rodriguez lasted just 1 1/3 innings in his start on Friday against the Reds.

Brad Lidge spoiled the shutout by giving up a run in the ninth. Rodriguez was coming off an outing in which he gave up seven earned runs in 1 1/3 innings against the Reds. He’ll be OK for NL-only leaguers to use against the Braves on Sunday, but he doesn’t have all that much value.

Rodriguez walked five batters tonight, bringing his total of base on balls to 22 over 23 1/3 innings during his last five starts. Maybe he’s still worth using in NL-only leagues against the Cubs next week, but his value is declining.

Rodriguez was called up on Saturday and took the loss when Roy Oswalt wasn’t healthy enough to pitch. “Even with Wandy’s loss (Saturday), he’s still 9-7,” manager Phil Garner said. “That’s in the big leagues. He’s won 19 games since he was here (including 10 in 2005).” He should be avoided in fantasy leagues.