After stellar debut, Cosart returns to Triple-A

ST. PETERSBURG -- Pitcher Jarred Cosart returned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday, but the countdown for his return to Houston is on.

Cosart held the Rays scoreless and surrendered only two hits over eight-plus innings for a victory in his Major League debut on Friday. He became the first pitcher in Astros history to toss eight-plus scoreless innings in a Major League debut.

Cosart was sent down so he could stay on his regular pitching schedule during the All-Star break. Astros manager Bo Porter said the organization would discuss plans for the second-half rotation during the time off.

"Jarred Cosart was high on our chart long before he made his start last night," Porter said. "It gives us more confidence he has the ability to be in the front of our rotation for a long time."