Bad news for Big Fifty:
When the Arizona Diamondbacks arrived here on Monday, the bullpen chatter centered around Brandon Lyon's grip on the closer's spot.For the next two days, the bare bulb was shined in the direction of setup man Jon Rauch, whose struggles continued with two more subpar appearances against the Padres.
Wednesday? Chad Qualls, come on down.
Qualls, who hadn't allowed a run in his last nine appearances and had gone a long way toward erasing a miserable May and June, was handed a 4-3 lead in the eighth inning but promptly gave up singles to Brian Giles, Chase Headley and series hero Jody Gerut in a 5-4 loss to the Padres.
It'll be interesting to see who picks him up and what they do with him.
Maybe it's time he gave starting a whirl again?
As for players we wish didn't come back:
2B Kaz Matsui (sore back) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to Aug. 13. He began baseball activities Aug. 26, and he might take batting practice Aug. 29. He could be activated as soon as Sept. 1.
Kaz is only useful to the Astros as a guy the trainers can practice their first aid on.