Wandy Rodriguez Experiences Groin Discomfort

Astros starter Wandy Rodriguez, 3-0 with a 2.52 ERA over three starts after notching Friday's 3-2 victory, continues to feel discomfort due to an intermittent groin twinge that prompted him to come out of the game after five innings. Though the injury is not considered serious yet, trainer Dave LaBossiere will monitor the condition until it is determined that Rodriguez is well. The team is worried not only because of the potential for Rodriguez to miss time. If the 27-year-old lefty cannot be depended upon to sustain higher pitch counts, a highly vulnerable bullpen with a total ERA exceeding 6.00 may be unable to hold leads until the ninth inning for closer Brad Lidge. Moreover, setup men will be more likely to wear down from overuse, further perpetuating the bullpen's over taxation.