Astros move Bedard back into bullpen

HOUSTON -- For the second time in less than a week, the Astros made a change in their starting rotation when manager Bo Porter announced Sunday left-hander Erik Bedard would be working out of the bullpen for an indefinite period.

Bedard is 0-2 with an 8.20 ERA in six games for the Astros this year, and has a 9.98 ERA in five starts. He threw 3 1/3 innings of scoreless relief in an Opening Night win over the Rangers before making five starts, four of which the Astros lost.

"I talked to Erik about it, and he took it well," Porter said. "He understood the decision, and like I said to him, he's not a guy that I'll get up and sit back down. When he gets up, I'm going to get him up and get him in the game. I understand where he's at in his career, but I do believe that he can really help us in a multitude of roles.

"His strikeouts are up and he's a guy you can bring in if you find a pocket with some lefties that it may be the back end of a game situation, or it may be a long situation where we have a lead going into the sixth inning, kind of like we did Opening Day, and can set up the closer."

The Astros will take advantage of Monday's off-day to keep Jordan Lyles (Tuesday), Bud Norris (Wednesday) and Lucas Harrell (Thursday) on four days of rest, and Porter said he'll announce a starter for Friday's game against the Rangers later in the week.

Left-hander Dallas Keuchel or right-handers Paul Clemens or Jose Cisnero -- all of whom are in long relief roles in the bullpen -- could make the start, but Porter didn't rule out making a move. Top pitching prospect Jarred Cosart is scheduled to start Monday for Triple-A Oklahoma City, but the Astros don't seem in a rush to promote him. Left-hander Brett Oberholtzer is scheduled to throw Friday for the RedHawks.