Back in the bigs, Humber will pitch out of 'pen

OAKLAND -- Veteran right-hander Philip Humber rejoined the Astros on Tuesday for the first time since he was designated for assignment on May 12. Humber began the year in Houston's rotation and went 0-7 with an 8.82 ERA in seven starts.

Humber will pitch out of the bullpen, a role he was serving at Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he was 2-0 with a 2.38 ERA in his last seven appearances for the RedHawks.

"He's thrown late innings out of the bullpen at Oklahoma City and he can be used in that situation, and he can be brought into the game in a short situation, as well," manager Bo Porter said.

Humber didn't have much to say about his return to the Major Leagues because he has been battling laryngitis for the last month. He whispered to reporters Tuesday that he was feeling fine, but was just having trouble speaking.

"It's not very fun," Humber said. "I'm not sick or anything, but I lost my voice and it hasn't come back."

Humber is taking the roster spot of left-hander Wesley Wright, who was claimed off of waivers by the Rays on Monday.