Paulino Set For Sunday Outing With Houston

HOUSTON -- The Astros need a starter for Sunday in place of the injured Brian Moehler, and after Friday's game, manager Cecil Cooper announced it will be right-hander Felipe Paulino.

Paulino has had two very good outings for Triple-A Round Rock, allowing one earned run over a combined 12 innings, with five walks and 12 strikeouts. He was in the running for the fifth-starter's job briefly during Spring Training, but poor performances early knocked him out of the running.

The Astros had a few other options to start Sunday in Moehler's place. Right-handers Alberto Arias, Jeff Fulchino and Chris Sampson were candidates who are already with the big league team, although Sampson, who has settled in nicely as a middle reliever, was the least likely of that group to get the nod.

Fulchino was in Round Rock's rotation before he was called up last week to replace Doug Brocail in the 'pen. He made one abbreviated start (two innings, no runs) for the Express prior to his promotion.

Arias was called up to replace Moehler on the roster. He had one outing in Round Rock prior to his recall, allowing six runs over 2 1/3 innings, walking five.

Arias started two games for the Astros last year, allowing six earned runs over eight innings.

In Round Rock, right-hander Jose Capellan had made two starts, with poor results. He's 0-2 with a 13.50 ERA, having allowed 13 earned runs over 8 2/3 innings. Also, Capellan would have had to be added to the 40-man roster, and right now, the Astros are at capacity.

Paulino's promotion marks the 11th transaction of the season for the Express.