Astros add Edgar Gonzalez, designate Philip Humber for assignment

Humber continued to struggle for Houston after being shifted to the bullpen.

By Connor Moylan May 12, 2013, 6:00pm EDT

The Houston Astros have designated Philip Humber for assignment on Sunday, as the pitcher continued to struggle after being shifted to the bullpen. The team signed Edgar Gonzalez to replace Humber on the 25-man roster.

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Humber made seven starts for the Astros this season, going 0-7 with an 8.82 ERA. Houston manager Bo Porter moved the right-hander to the bullpen on Wednesday, hoping that the pitcher could find some success in a relief role.

Humber made two appearances as a relief pitcher; he threw 1.1 scoreless innings against the Los Angeles Angels, but had a meltdown against the Texas Rangers on Saturday. Humber only recorded two outs, but surrendered five runs on five hits, including a home-run. Humber was charged with the blown save and the loss.

The team is hoping a second journeyman pitcher will have more success in Houston, as the team signed Gonzalez to a major-league contract. Gonzalez started the season with the Toronto Blue Jays and pitched poorly, posting a 7.88 ERA in eight innings. The right-hander walked five batters over the three relief appearances, and only fanned three.

The Blue Jays designated Gonzalez for assignment, but the pitcher refused his Triple-A assignment, opting to join the ranks of free agency. Gonzalez and the Astros are hoping he will pitch better with his second team in 2013.