Zeid hopes ailing feet don't require surgery

HOUSTON -- Astros relief pitcher Josh Zeid, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday night with left foot bilateral sesamoiditis, said Sunday he hopes to be able to pitch again this season and avoid surgery.

Zeid, who's had pain in both of his feet for quite some time, will be examined by a foot specialist in Houston this week. The pain has made it difficult for Zeid to be on his feet for extended periods, whether it's wearing metal spikes while pitching or doing his conditioning between starts.

"I would say it pretty much affects me, not just playing baseball, but it affects everything that leads up to baseball, working out and running," Zeid said. "Those are the big parts of being a successful pitcher, is being able to prepare the right way. Obviously, doing 20 minutes on the bike every day doesn't really cut it as an option. I'm going to take the time to get the swelling down and inflammation out and hope that there's nothing too severe."

Astros catcher Jason Castro underwent surgery to remove the sesamoid bone in his left foot prior to the 2011 season, and former Astros infielder Jeff Keppinger had a similar procedure when he was in Houston. Recovery could take weeks.

"It's definitely an option," Zeid said. "I don't think the word surgery has come up yet. It happens to be bilateral, so if you have to have surgery on both feet, it would be quite lengthy. That's not something I'm keying on right now. My goal is to help the team any way possible, whether it's this year, next month or a few months after that. I want to be able to help the Houston Astros as long as possible. I'm taking care of it right now, and nipping it in the bud is the best option."

Right-hander Paul Clemens was called up to take Zeid's spot on the roster.