Major League Baseball

Lowrie, Rasmus homer for Astros in 8-5 win over Braves

Published Mar. 31, 2015 10:32 p.m. ET

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KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) Wandy Rodriguez made his latest bid to earn the final spot in Atlanta's rotation, pitching five innings for the Braves on Tuesday night in their 8-5 loss to the Houston Astros.

Rodriguez yielded three runs against his former team. The diminutive lefty, a non-roster invitee to spring training, has a 3.13 ERA in six games. He struck out eight without issuing a walk, but also gave up a homer to Jed Lowrie.

AL batting champion Jose Altuve had three hits for the Astros, and Colby Rasmus hit a three-run homer.

Rodriguez is trying to land the No. 5 starter job - at least until Mike Minor returns from injury, perhaps in May. Rodriguez said he cringes a bit every time Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez walks past his locker.

''I'm ready to start right now,'' said Rodriguez, who was 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA in six starts for Pittsburgh last season. ''I just don't know if I made the team.''

Gonzalez said it is time to make a call.

''I've liked what I have seen,'' he said. ''He doesn't shy away from contact and I like that. He's really bringing it, but I still haven't made a decision.''

Houston starter Asher Wojciechowski, a surprise contender for the final spot in the Astros' rotation, allowed one run over 4 1-3 innings to leave his spring ERA at 1.29. Wojciechowski spent last season in Triple-A.

''I'm just happy about how I did this spring,'' he said. ''I came in and competed. I had a lot of fun and I'm still glad to be here.''

Astros manager A.J. Hinch, like Gonzalez, is still waiting to make a decision.

''This was the first game he didn't have his A-plus stuff,'' Hinch said. ''It was good to see him battle.''

Hinch wasn't tipping his hand, but said he would have his 25-man roster set by Wednesday.

A.J. Pierzynski and Eric Young Jr. both had two hits for the Braves. All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel extended his spring scoreless streak to five innings.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Braves: Rodriguez took a line drive off his non-throwing arm but said he was fine and stayed in the game. ... INF Kelly Johnson was hit by a pitch from Kevin Chapman and came out of the game with a bruised left elbow. Johnson, however, said the ball didn't hit bone and he isn't expected to miss any time.

BETTER THAN EXPECTED

Pierzynski was signed as a free agent last winter, partly to mentor young catcher Christian Bethancourt. Instead, Pierzynski has looked good enough to be a starter. He's batting .351 and has a command of his new pitching staff.

''If we can match him up right there's no reason he can't play 110 games or more,'' Gonzalez said.

UP NEXT

Astros: Dallas Keuchel starts Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers.

Braves: Julio Teheran will make his final start before opening day when he faces the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday.

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