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| A day after the team said they had interest in recently released pitcher Brandon Backe, Brewers GM Doug Melvin told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Wednesday that they are not interested. |
Our View: The Brewers believe the vet hurler has too many injury problems. With a career 5.23 ERA, Backe is not a great pitcher, but will still likely be signed by a team desperate pitching because of the thin market for starters this year. He will not be a good fantasy option should this happen.
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| Brandon Backe has cleared waivers with the Astros, and has declined his assignment to Triple-A Round Rock, according to Alyson Footer's twitter page. |
Our View: Backe has opted to become a free agent rather than work in the minors. The 31-year-old hurler should be able to catch on with another MLB club, and could hold some fantasy value, depending on where he may land.
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| Brandon Backe has been designated for assignment by the Astros, according to the Associated Press. Felipe Paulino will be activated from the DL Saturday, and Backe was moved to make room on the roster. |
Our View: The Astros have 10 days to trade him, waive him or outright him to the minors. He holds a 10.38 ERA over 13 innings (one start) this season, and the 31-year-old vet is not worth holding on fantasy rosters.
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| Brandon Backe was ineffective in his first start of 2009, lasting only four innings while surrendering three earned runs on two home runs as Houston beat Texas 5-3. |
Our View: He wasn't bad enough to preclude another start, however. He is not worth an add in any format.
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| Brandon Backe will make his first start of the season on Thursday according to the Houston Chronicle. He will be taking the rotation turn of the injured Mike Hampton. |
Our View: Backe has not been sterling out of the bullpen this season, and may be falling out of favor in Houston, where he has pitched for six seasons now. He is not worth a spot start at this time.
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| According to MLBlogs.com, Brandon Backe will be activated from the disabled list on Friday. |
Our View: Backe will initially be available out of the bullpen, but could be moved into the starting rotation soon. The Astros haven't really figured anything out yet and appear to be winging it at this point. Felipe Paulino is still scheduled to get another start, but Backe may take his spot after that. He may six rehab starts, so his arm should be ready for a rotation role.
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| Brandon Backe is still uncertain when he will come off the DL and what his role with the Astros will be, according to the Houston Chronicle. He said, "It would be nice to know. But if I am going to start it would be great to know so I know when to throw and what to do and how to prepare for who I am facing."
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Our View: He played light catch with Mike Hampton yesterday, and will likely throw a bullpen session today. Skipper Cecil Cooper noted that a decision regarding Backe won't be made until Friday.
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| According to the Houston Chronicle, pitcher Brandon Backe was cleared by a grand jury of resisting arrest charges on Tuesday. |
Our View: Backe was part of a wedding party that was charged last October in Galveston, TX. He had this to say, "It's nice. I wish it didn't have to go all the way to a grand jury. I felt confident through all of this that everything was going to come out with the right verdict."
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| Brandon Backe has completed his minor league rehab stint while recovering from a left intercostal strain, and skipper Cecil Cooper will now focus on determining his role with the Astros, according to the Houston Chronicle. Cooper said, "He is going to pitch somewhere on this road trip, I do not know exactly when or where. We have got to determine that, whether it is in the bullpen or whether it is starting, we have got to figure that out." |
Our View: Cooper added that he is leaning toward using Backe in the rotation, but has not speculated who may be dropped to make room for him. Backe is worth stashing in NL-only leagues, in case he holds a spot as a starter.
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| Brandon Backe will make his final rehab start Sunday with Triple-A Round Rock, according to the Houston Chronicle. He has been recovering from a left intercostal strain. |
Our View: The Astros have been pleased with their rotation, and are uncertain if he will start or will be used out of the bullpen upon his return. For now, the club is just hoping Backe will get through Saturday's outing fine without any issues.
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| According to MLBlogs.com, Brandon Backe has a successful rehab start on Monday for the Astros Double-A team. He tossed eight shutout innings allowing five hits and a walk. |
Our View: Backe will likely make one more rehab start before joining the Astros. Once he returns Felipe Paulino will likely get bumped out of the rotation. The bad news is that even when healthy Backe has been ineffective and likely won't command any fantasy value when he returns.
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| It has been decided that Brandon Backe will make two more rehab starts, according to the Houston Chronicle. He has been recovering from a left intercostal strain. |
Our View: He will pitch today and Saturday. He lost 14 of 31 starts last season, with a poor 1.67 WHIP. The 31-year-old vet will not be a solid fantasy target when ready to return to the Astros' rotation.
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| Brandon Backe may need to make two more rehab starts while recovering from a left intercostal strain, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: He allowed four runs in his last outing in Double-A, and manager Cecil Cooper wants his control to improve before bringing him back to Houston.
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| Brandon Backe, who has been recovering from a left intercostal strain, hurled five scoreless innings Sunday with Double-A Corpus Christi. He fired 72 pitches. |
Our View: Backe could make one more rehab start before returning to the Astros' rotation. He will either replace Brian Moehler or Russ Ortiz.
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| Brandon Backe, who has not pitched in a game situation for 48 days while recovering from a strained intercostal muscle, is slated to pitch for Triple-A Round Rock today in a rehab start, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: He is expected to throw 70-75 pitches, but that number will depend on how he feels. The Astros need pitching help, and will be pleased when Backe returns. His value is limited to NL-only leagues though.
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| MLB.com reports that Brandon Backe threw a simulated game on Wednesday and is expected to start his rehab assignment soon. Backe said he could pitch out of the bullpen already, but he needs to build up his arm endurance before he can return as a starter. He is currently on the DL with a left intercostal strain. |
Our View: Backe figures to be an upgrade to an aging rotation in Houston. His fantasy value is very low, as he posted a 6.05 ERA and 1.67 WHIP a season ago.
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| Brandon Backe threw another successful bullpen session on Monday, according to the Houston Chronicle. Backe is expected to go on a rehab assignment either this weekend or early next week. |
Our View: The news has been good on Backe, and with his rehab stint likely beginning next week he could be back in Houston's rotation in a few weeks. He struggled last year, but would almost certainly be an upgrade in their rotation.
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| Brandon Backe is still recovering from his left intercostal strain, according to the Houston Chronicle. He said, "I feel good. It is a slow process. Not trying to go any quicker than what they are telling me. I do not feel anything, so that is good."
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Our View: He will throw a simulated game today, and may be ready to start a rehab assignment late next week. Manager Cecil Cooper noted that Backe may throw another one or two days later, another one or two days after that, then a side session and then he may be ready to return to the Astros to pitch.
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| Brandon Backe, who is recovering from a left intercostal strain, threw off the mound for the second time Saturday, according to the Houston Chronicle. He threw 50 pitches in a bullpen session, with around 25 to 30 fastballs. |
Our View: He raised his intensity, but still feels soreness in the area. He was eligible to come off the DL Saturday, but the club still has no timetable for his return.
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| Brandon Backe, who is recovering from a left intercostal strain, threw off a mound Wednesday for the first time since early March, according to the Houston Chronicle. He said, "first time since early March. No strains, tweaks, pulls, nothing like that. I just felt good, normal. I did not test it too hard. I just wanted to throw off the mound and see how I went. I threw a couple pretty hard just to test it out to see."
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Our View: Backe expects to throw 50 pitches during a bullpen session Friday, but it is too soon to set a timetable for his return to Houston. Skipper Cecil Cooper has been encouraged by his progress.
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| Brandon Backe will throw off a mound today at Minute Maid Park for the first time since suffering a left intercostal strain in spring training, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: Backe has been satisfied with his recovery, and could return to the Astros' rotation in early May. He is only worth holding in deeper NL-only leagues though.
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| The Houston Chronicle reports that Brandon Backe will begin the season on the DL due to a strained muscle in his rib cage. The announcement guarantees his contract for 2009. |
Our View: Another team could have very well let him walk, but the Astros have next to no depth in their rotation. Backe fell apart at the end of last season, and he wasn't that good before the collapse. He holds next to no fantasy value in 2009.
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| Brandon Backe is feeling better while nursing his strained ribcage, but he will still be on the shelf for at least another 10 days, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: Missing time could hurt his chances of making the Astros' rotation, as he needs to prove he can be effective after holding a dismal 6.05 ERA and 1.67 WHIP over 31 starts in 2008.
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| Brandon Backe stated that he is suffering from lingering pain from a strained rib cage, according to the Houston Chronicle. He said, "I do not know how long it is going to take. Until it stops hurting to the touch, I do not think I can do too much as far as rotating my mid-section."
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Our View: He may need to miss more than one start, which could hurt his chances of holding a spot in the rotation. He held a terrible 6.05 ERA and 1.67 WHIP over 31 starts in 2008, and needed to have a strong spring to convince the Astros he belongs.
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| Brandon Backe suffered a strained rib cage when forced out of Sunday's exhibition game against the Pirates, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: He could miss at least one start. He cannot afford to miss much time while competing for a spot in the Astros' rotation. He also does not need a setback while trying to put a terrible 2008 campaign behind him, in which he held a 6.05 ERA and 1.67 WHIP over 31 starts.
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| Brandon Backe pitched two scoreless innings and struck out one batter as the Astros fell to the Pirates 11-4 on Sunday. |
Our View: Backe is coming off an awful 2008 season, in which he posted a 6.05 and won just nine of his 31 starts. He should, however, be considered to grab the No. 5 spot in the Houston rotation.
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| Brandon Backe exited Sunday's game against the Pirates with a strain in his left side, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: He hurled two scoreless innings prior to being forced to leave. The severity of the ailment is yet to be determined.
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| Brandon Backe was rocked for four earned runs on three hits over two innings in Tuesday's 12-2 loss to the Rays, with three walks and three strikeouts. |
Our View: Backe held a poor 1.67 WHIP and 6.05 ERA over 31 starts in 2008, and is not off to a good start in spring training. He is not expected to be useful as a fantasy starter.
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| Brandon Backe has returned to camp after suffering from flu-like symptoms, according to MLB.com. He believes he lost around 10 pounds in the last 35 hours with the illness. |
Our View: Backe could bounce back after holding a 6.05 ERA and 1.67 WHIP over 31 starts in 2008, but won't likely improve enough to be useful as a fantasy starter. His velocity is fine, but he needs to improve his control.
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| Brandon Backe will be competing with Jose Capellan, Russ Ortiz, Clay Hensley, Felipe Paulino and Fernando Nieve for the fifth spot in the Astros' rotation, according to the Houston Chronicle. The top four spots look to be held by Roy Oswalt, Wandy Rodriguez, Mike Hampton and Brian Moehler. GM Ed Wade endorses Backe as he said, "I am looking at Brandon as a guy who should end up in our rotation. There is competition. There is always competition, but he threw 166 innings last year and he is a year further removed from surgery. He had that stretch of games in July where he had several pretty good starts back to back."
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Our View: Backe could bounce back after holding a 6.05 ERA and 1.67 WHIP over 31 starts in 2008, but won't likely improve enough to be useful as a fantasy starter.
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| The Astros have avoided salary arbitration with Brandon Backe by signing the pitcher to a one-year deal for $1.55 million, according to the Houston Chronicle. He can earn more than a million in incentives. |
Our View: The 30-year-old hurler will be looking to bounce back in 2009, after holding a disappointing 6.05 ERA and 1.67 WHIP over 31 starts with Houston last season.
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| Astros pitcher Brandon Backe filed a complaint with the FBI, alleging that the police in Galveston, Texas violated his civil rights, according to the AP. "I have initiated a formal complaint against the officers involved for their actions against the clients I represent for violating their civil rights," said Bob Moen, Backe's attorney. |
Our View: Backe and 10 others were arrested when a fight broke out at a wedding reception. Eyewitnesses say the police used unnecessary and brutal force.
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| Brandon Backe has been arrested early Sunday morning (along with at least a half-dozen bystanders) after a fight broke out in Galveston, according to MLB.com. Backe was accused of resisting arrest, search and transportation by using force against an officer. He was released on bail and released the same day. The Astros stated, "We're aware of an incident involving Brandon. We have spoken with him regarding his his version of the event. Seeing this is a legal matter, any further comment on our part would be inappropriate."
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Our View: Backe was attending a wedding celebration at the H2O bar in San Luis Resort when an incident involving a 19-year-old reportedly turned into an altercation between police and bar patrons. Backe struggled through a poor season with a 9-14 mark over 31 starts, with a 6.05 ERA and 1.67 WHIP.
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| Brandon Backe was shelled on Saturday night. In only 1.1 innings he gave up eight runs on eight hits in the Astros' 11-5 loss to the Braves. |
Our View: In Backe's last two starts he has not made it to the third inning. It was a difficult season for Backe who had a record of 9-14.
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| Manager Cecil Cooper noted that Brandon Backe is likely to get one more start this weekend against the Braves, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: He was rocked for five earned runs over a mere 1.2 innings of work in his last start at Florida, but looks to get a chance to close out the season on a positive note.
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| Brandon Backe is scheduled to start on Wednesday against the Marlins, MLB.com reports. He missed his previous start due to elbow soreness. |
Our View: Fantasy owners shouldn't be eager to use Backe. The right-hander has been wildly inconsistent this year.
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| Brandon Backe, who missed his start on Monday because of elbow tightness, threw a full side session without setback and he should be able to return shortly, possibly as early as Saturday, according to the Astros Official Website. |
Our View: The club also needs to announce who will start in place of the injured Wandy Rodriguez on Friday, and it looks like that arm my be the one attached to Alberto Arias. Backe is nothing more than a middling option on the hill, so it's best to leave him on the sidelines if there are any injury concerns.
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| Brandon Backe, who was skipped Monday due to tightness in his right forearm, will likely throw a bullpen session Wednesday, according to the Houston Chronicle. He said, "I didn’t do anything today, but I feel good. I’ll probably just miss one start. Just trying to be cautious."
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Our View: Backe looks to be ready for his next start, barring a setback in Wednesday's pen session. He only merits fantasy consideration in deeper NL-only leagues, with a 5.44 ERA and 1.60 WHIP.
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| Backe will miss his scheduled start on Monday with tightness in his forearm near his elbow, the Houston Chronicle reports. |
Our View: He hopes to make his next turn in the rotation. Alberto Arias will replace him on Monday.
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| Brandon Backe only surrendered two earned runs on six hits over 6.2 innings of work in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Reds in Houston, with one walk and six strikeouts. |
Our View: He improves to 9-12, and is 3-2 over his last five starts. He has allowed 11 earned runs in both of his losses over that span, and should remain inconsistent in the final month of the regular season.
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| Brandon Backe picked up his eighth win Saturday, allowing three runs on five hits and a walk while striking out four over seven innings. |
Our View: Backe needed this outing, as he's been pounded during August.
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| Brandon Backe outdueled Jonathan Sanchez on Monday night hurling seven innings of one run baseball over seven innings in his 11th victory of the year. |
Our View: Backe looked great on this night, though your average Triple-A hurler might have the same amount of success against the Giants. After an 11 run outing last time, Backe made a statement on this night that he deserves to remain in the rotation.
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| Brandon Backe allowed 10 hits and two walks, but he limited the damage to three runs in six innings for the Astros. He also hit a home run. |
Our View: Backe upped his K total to 100 on the night, though his ratios still mark him as nothing that you want to run out there on a regular basis so look elsewhere for rotation help.
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| Astros hurler Brandon Backe was effective, and though he did not figure in the decision, he allowed just two earned runs in 5.1 innings of work. |
Our View: Backe does not deserve consideration in fantasy leagues until he starts to allow fewer homers and walk fewer batters.
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| The Astros failed to make a case for much applause today, falling 9-0 to the Chicago Cubs and wasting a respectable effort from RHP Brandon Backe . Backe pitched 6 2/3 innings to allow four runs (all earned) on eight hits with no walks and eight strikeouts. |
Our View: The loss brings Backe to 6-10 on the season with an ERA at 4.79, but today the offense let him down. Turning in just six hits as a team will not get the job done, especially against the Cubs.
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| Brandon Backe pitched seven scoreless innings on Sunday afternoon and helped himself with a pair of hits as the Houston Astros scored a 5-0 victory over the Washington Nationals.
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Our View: Backe raised his season batting average to .345 and lowered his ERA to 4.76.
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| The Astros are hoping RHP Brandon Backe can solve the challenge of earning a win against the Boston Red Sox, according to the Sports Network. |
Our View: Backe is 5-8 with a 4.82 ERA, picking up a win on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Rays as he allowed two runs and six hits in 6 2/3 innings. Backe will be making his first-ever start against the Red Sox, but has faced them four times out of the bullpen without recording a decision. However, he has pitched to a 13.50 ERA in those outings.
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| Brandon Backe will take the hill against Baltimore at Camden Yards tonight, according to MLB.com. Backe is 4-8 this season with a poor 5.00 ERA and 1.56 WHIP. He has faced the Orioles five times in his career, while allowing seven earned runs over 9.1 innings for a 6.75 ERA. |
Our View: Backe will be looking to rebound from his last outing, as he was lit up for five runs over four innings against Milwaukee. He has also allowed at least four earned runs in three straight starts, and should not be considered for your lineups.
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| Brandon Backe lost his eighth game of the year on Wednesday night and saw his ERA rise to 5.00 after allowing five runs in four innings against the Brewers. |
Our View: There was a lot made of some of Backe's work early in the year, but the simple fact is that he is nothing more than an average major league hurler. Plan your roster moves accordingly.
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| Brandon Backe lost his seventh game on Thursday night after allowing four runs in six innings. Backe allowed nine hits and two walks while striking out one. |
Our View: Backe entered the game averaging almost seven K/9, but on this night he just couldn't put away anyone. His current ERA of 4.66 almost exactly matches his career mark (4.62).
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| Brandon Backe held the powerful Phillies offense in check Friday night, allowing just one run on six hits and a walk while striking out six over 7 1/3 innings. |
Our View: Backe's ERA is at a respectable 4.19, and he hasn't shown any ill effects following his Tommy John surgery. His 6.9 K/9 rate would represent a significant improvement over what he's done as a starter in the past.
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| Brandon Backe allowed no walks and just five hits over 6.1 innings to run his record to 3-5 on the year. Backe allowed two home runs that led the three runs he allowed. |
Our View: Backe has made 10 starts, some middling, but he has allowed more than four runs just once giving the Astros a chance to win. He isn't great, but a healthy arm is producing some decent work.
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| Brandon Backe pitched six solid innings allowing three earned runs though he fell to 2-5 on the season. |
Our View: The big mistake he allowed tonight was a home run to Matt Cain. Other than than, he was pretty economical throwing 86 pitches, 57 of them strikes in a decent showing.
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| Brandon Backe and Albert Pujols, who had a harsh exchange of words the last time the Astros and Cardinals got together, have reportedly put the incident behind them, according to MLB.com.
Brandon Backe will face the Cardinals on Sunday at Busch Stadium, and he firmly stated prior to Friday's game that anything that happened between him and the Cardinals slugger will not resurface this weekend.
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Our View: According to Backe the situation is over with. Pujols apparently confronted Backe regarding disapproving comments the pitcher made regarding Pujols' hard slide into catcher J.R. Towles during a play at the plate the night before.
Pujols called Towles immediately after that game to apologize, and Towles said he had no hard feelings.
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| Brandon Backe held the Marlins scoreless over five innings to pick up his first win of the season for the Astros. |
Our View: While he was ultimately successful in that he didn't allow a run, Backe allowed five hits and five BB as he was able to wiggle out of jam after jam on the night. He has 12 K and 11 BB on the year, and a ratio that poor limits any pitchers ability to sustain success long-term.
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| Brandon Backe was dealt his first loss of the season on Tuesday as he allowed two runs on five hits over five innings, with three walks and three strikeouts. It was a good outing for him, but Houston only allowed one run of support in a 2-1 loss. |
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| Brandon Backe will start tonight against the Padres, according to the Houston Chronicle. Backe was 3-1 with a favorable 3.77 ERA in five starts last year and is 2-1 with a 2.45 ERA over three career starts against the Padres. |
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| Brandon Backe worked 5.1 innings on Thursday, surrendering six runs on 11 hits against Toronto. Backe managed to strike out two, walk two and give up two home runs to the hard hitting Blue Jays. |
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| Brandon Backe was dominant against the Reds today as he threw four scoreless innings, with only one hit and one walk. He notably retired the first nine hitters in a row and this was a much better outing than his last as he allowed four runs on seven hits. |
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| Brandon Backe went three innings on Thursday, but the results were far from ideal as he allowed four runs on seven hits. Maybe we can just chalk this up to the foot injury he has been dealing with? Keep an eye on his next outing to get a better idea of where he sits. |
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| Brandon Backe pitched two hitless inning Sunday, permitting one walk with no strikeouts. The right-hander had been dealing with bone bruise on his foot, so it was good to see him effective this afternoon. |
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| Brandon Backe was walking without a limp Tuesday morning, just three days after sustaining a bone bruise on the outside of his right foot, according to the Houston Chronicle. "I saw him this morning already in the weight room there getting ready and doing his exercises and things like that," pitching coach Cecil Cooper said. "So that's a good sign. He had his shoe on, no noticeable limp, so that's a good one." It sounds like it's just a minor injury, and while it will keep him out of Thursday's exhibition game, it shouldn't affect his preparation for the regular season much. |
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| Brandon Backe will miss his first scheduled start of the spring due to a bone bruise on the outside of his right foot, according to the Houston Chronicle. "This is more of a freak, innocent injury, and thank gosh it's not as bad as it feels," Backe said. "The X-rays showed it was negative and there was no fracture and no break, but it hurts like hell right now, to be honest with you. I can't walk on it." Backe was clipped on the foot by a batted ball but has avoided a long-term injury. He missed nearly all of last season while recovering from Tommy John sugery. |
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| The Astros avoided arbitration by re-signing Brandon Backe to a one-year, $800,000 contract Friday. The deal also includes incentives. Backe held a 3.77 ERA in five September starts last year after returning from Tommy John surgery. He's expected to be part of the team's rotation in 2008. |
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| Brandon Backe, who had elbow surgery last September, is scheduled to make his first start of the season Tuesday in Milwaukee. He has made five rehab starts for Triple-A Round Rock. |
Our View: His return is too late to help the Astros for this season but how well he does the last month of the season will tell the Astros if they need to go get more pitching in the offseason.
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| Brandon Backe is scheduled to join the team today and could be activated Saturday. Coming back from Tommy John surgery, Backe struck out 10 batters for Triple-A Round Rock in his latest rehab start, according to the Houston Chronicle. He figures to get a few starts down th stretch. |
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| Brandon Backe, who had Tommy John surgery last year and has missed the entire season, pitched six scoreless innings in a rehab start with Triple-A Round Rock at Omaha on Thursday. He is expected to return to the team Sept. 1 |
Our View: How well he does in September will determine if he has a rotation spot for next year.
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| Brandon Backe, who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery, threw a bullpen session on Tuesday, two days after throwing five scoreless innings for Triple-A Round Rock, according to the Houston Chronicle. "I threw a regular bullpen like I normally throw a bullpen, and everything felt good," he said. Backe will make his fourth of six scheduled rehab starts on Friday. |
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| Brandon Backe, recovering from Tommy John surgery, gave up two runs on five hits with two walks and four strikeouts over 3 2/3 innings in his second rehab start for Triple-A Round Rock Tuesday. He'll make four more rehab starts, according to the Houston Chronicle. "Seventy pitches was my goal," said Backe, who threw 74 pitches in the outing. "I feel fine today, and that's the ultimate goal of what I wanted to do yesterday and today." |
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| Brandon Backe made a rehab start for Double-A Corpus Christi on Thursday. He allowed five hits and three runs over five innings. Backe also walked two and struck out four. He underwent Tommy John surgery on September 7, 2006. Backe will make five more rehab starts for Triple-A Round Rock. |
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| Brandon Backe threw three innings against live batters on Saturday, the next step on his road back from Tommy John surgery, the AP reports. Backe will make the first of six scheduled rehab starts for Double-A Corpus Christi on Thursday. Backe had surgery last September on his throwing elbow and doctors said Backe would need 12-18 months to fully recover. Manager Phil Garner expects Backe to rejoin the Astros by Sept. 1, though his first start would come later. "That's actually probably ahead of where I thought he might've been," Garner said. |
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| Brandon Backe, who has been out all season after Tommy John surgery on his right elbow last year, pitched a simulated game Monday afternoon, according to the AP. "I felt good," Backe said. "Now I need to face some live hitting." Manager Phil Garner said Backe would start the first of six rehab assignments a week from this Saturday. They are hoping Backe can return to the big leagues by Sept. 1. "I think he's in a good spot right now but we're not going to rush it," Garner said. |
Our View: He won't be back in time to help the team this year, but at least they will have an idea how healthy he will be for next year before the offseason.
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| Brandon Backe threw 31 pitches to hitters in a simulated inning on Thursday. He is recovering from Tommy John surgery to his right elbow last September. "I'm very encouraged," Backe tells the Houston Chronicle. "I know there is still a long way to go for me to get into a game." There is no timetable for his return. |
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| Brandon Backe is still recovering from a setback he suffered nearly two weeks ago. He threw off a mound on Tuesday, but he worked at only 70 percent strength, according to MLB.com. Backe underwent Tommy John surgery on September 7, 2006, and he has soreness in his right elbow. |
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| Brandon Backe finally had a setback in his recovery from Tommy John surgery this week. Things had been going ahead of schedule in his recovery from Tommy John surgery, but he felt soreness in his elbow after throwing a simulated game last Saturday, according to the Houston Chronicle. "I feel sore again, almost like I felt when I initially hurt it," he said. "Everyone told me I was going to feel like I hurt it again and it will go away and you'll be fine. I'm looking forward to the soreness being gone." Let's hope this is just the normal soreness his doctors were expecting. Even if all goes well, he won't be back in action until after the All-Star break. |
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| Brandon Backe might be on pace to return to the Astros in August, according to the team's official site. Backe had the Tommy John surgery on Sept. 7 and, at that time, his chances to make a return at some point this year stood at around 10 percent. Those odds appear to be considerably higher, perhaps around 50 or 60 percent. |
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| The Astros placed Brandon Backe on the 15-day disabled list yesterday. He's recovering from Tommy John surgery and won't be ready for action until late this season, if at all. |
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| As expected, Brandon Backe threw off a mound Friday for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery in September, according to the Houston Chronicle. "He was just getting the feel," Astros pitching coach Dave Wallace said. "It had been a while." |
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| Brandon Backe will throw off the mound Friday for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery last September, according to the Houston Chronicle. Backe is expected to miss most of this season. |
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| The Astros have signed Brandon Backe to a one-year contract for next season, according to the Houston Chronicle. Backe, who was 3-2 with a 3.77 ERA for the Astros last season, is expected to miss most of next season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. |
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| The Astros announced Thursday that Brandon Backe will undergo Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, according to SportsTicker. He'll be out of action until at least late next season. |
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| An MRI on Brandon Backe on Tuesday revealed some inflammation in his ulnar collateral ligament, according to the Houston Chronicle. "It's a recurrence, so that's not a good thing," general manager Tim Purpura said. "If he was progressing more positively and as his workload continued to build, you'd have greater hope for recovery. Now that he's had a step back, it changes the odds." It seems unlikely that Backe will pitch again this season. |
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| Brandon Backe, who was placed on the disabled list last week for the second time this season with a sprained elbow ligament, will have an MRI today to determine if he needs to have surgery, according to the Houston Chronicle. "Obviously, that will help him from a decision-making point of view, psychological point of view," general manager Tim Purpura said. "The point of view he expressed to me is 'If it is worse and I do need surgery, I don't need to waste any time not having surgery.'" If Backe does end up having surgery, he would miss the entire 2007 season. |
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| The Astros placed Brandon Backe on the 15-day disabled list on Saturday with a sprained right elbow, according to the AP. He missed 86 games earlier this season with the same injury. |
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| Brandon Backe came off the disabled list Saturday to make his first start in more than three months. He allowed four runs on four hits, walked four, and struck out three in four innings of work. |
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| Brandon Backe, who is set to return to the Astros rotation on Saturday, threw for the second straight day on Wednesday, according to the AP. He threw 30 pitches on Wednesday after throwing 60 on Tuesday. Backe has been sidelined with a strained elbow ligament. |
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