The Astros have placed lefty starter Wandy Rodriguez on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left groin. Rodriguez was off to a really good start for the Astros this season. He has started 4 games this season and he is 1-0 with a 2.31 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP. Rodriguez has really showed nasty stuff this season as he has whiffed 24 batters in only 23.1 innings. The Astros have called up lefty reliever Tim Byrdak to replace Rodriguez on the roster. Byrdak pitched in 7 games in AAA ball this season and he was 0-0 with a 3.68 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP. Byrdak also whiffed 10 batters in only 7.1 innings which shows that he still has good stuff. 27-year old righty Jack Cassel will be recalled from AAA when Rodriguez’ spot in the rotation comes up next week. Cassel has started 3 games in AAA this season and he is 1-1 with a 2.50 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP. This was a bad break for both Rodriguez & the Astros as he was pitching very well this season.