Major League Baseball

Astros tab Figueroa as 5th starter

Published Mar. 21, 2011 2:10 p.m. ET

foxsports

Nelson Figueroa has been chosen the fifth starter in the Houston Astros pitching rotation.

The Astros announced Monday that the 36-year-old right-hander, who started 10 games for Houston last season, will complete the rotation behind Brett Myers, Wandy Rodriguez, J.A. Happ and Bud Norris.

After being claimed on waivers from Philadelphia on July 21, Figueroa was 5-4 in 18 appearances with Houston last season. He is 2-0 with a 3.86 ERA in four spring starts.

Figueroa's spot in the rotation was sealed when 20-year-old Jordan Lyles was among seven players sent to their minor league camp Monday.

The other players sent down were pitchers Casey Fien, Fernando Rodriguez, Patrick Urckfitz and Sergio Escalona and outfielders Drew Locke and T.J. Steele.