According to Alyson Footer, the Astros designated pitcher Brandon Backe for assignment to make room on the roster for Felipe Paulino. Backe, 31, allowed 15 runs and 21 hits in 13 innings. This year he's dealt with an intercostal strain; he had Tommy John surgery in September of 2006. Backe still has about $870K coming on this year's contract, so the Astros will have to assume most of that. Jason Grodsky of MLB.com has a few comments from Backe and Astros GM Ed Wade. Backe hopes to latch on as a starter somewhere.
Backe is probably best known for his solid postseason work for the Astros in 2004 and 2005.
