Clemens' recovery to impact rotation decision

SEATTLE -- Having shut down rookie right-hander Jarred Cosart for the remainder of the season after he threw a career-high workload this year, the Astros still haven't determined whether they will continue with a six-man rotation or go with a five-man rotation the rest of the way.

That decision will have a lot to do with how right-hander Paul Clemens feels after throwing a bullpen session Tuesday. He was scratched from his start Sunday in Oakland with a blister. The Astros have yet to set their rotation for this weekend's series at home against the Angels.

"We're going to get through the off-day [Thursday] and make a decision whether or not we're going to stick with six or go to five," manager Bo Porter said. "Clemens is going to throw [Tuesday], and we'll know more after he throws whether or not he's going to be able make his start."

If Clemens is able to pitch, he would start Saturday against Angels and would split left-handers Dallas Keuchel (Friday) and Brett Oberholtzer (Sunday). Among the candidates to perhaps be added to the rotation is rookie David Martinez, who was recently called up from Triple-A for his second stint with Houston.

Porter said the Astros aren't planning to shut down any additional starting pitchers because of their workload.