Major League Baseball

Astros option RHP Lyles to minors

Published Aug. 21, 2011 8:38 p.m. ET

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The Houston Astros optioned right-hander Jordan Lyles to Triple-A Oklahoma City Sunday in anticipation of OF Jordan Schafer coming off the disabled list on Monday.

Lyles (2-7, 5.02 ERA) pitched five innings and allowed two earned runs in Saturday night's 7-5 victory over San Francisco.

General manager Ed Wade said the move was not a demotion.

''We still see him as a starter,'' Wade said. ''This is what is in his best interests and our best interests.''

Lyles has pitched 148 2-3 innings this season and the Astros consider 160-170 innings a safe range for the rookie.

Schafer has been on the DL since July 20 with a left middle finger joint injury. He went 5-for-5 Saturday at Oklahoma City.

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