Felipe Paulino didn't live up to the expectations the Astros had after they rewarded his failure in the bullpen with a promotion back to the rotation.
Without the command that tempted Cecil Cooper to put him back in the rotation, Paulino was pounded by the Rockies on Tuesday. Paulino gave up two home runs and was pulled after failing to retire a batter during the Rockies' five-run fifth inning. He allowed seven hits, eight runs (seven earned) and four walks, and he struck out two.
By comparison, Paulino allowed only six runs (five earned) with 13 strikeouts over 17 2/3 innings for a 2.55 ERA over his first three starts before moving to the bullpen. He gave up seven earned runs through three innings of relief.
"No, I don't feel anything different," Paulino said. "It was just a bad day for me today."
ROCKIES 12, ASTROS 1: Felipe Paulino and the Astros bullpen combined to give up four home runs, more than manager Cecil Cooper cared to recall, as Colorado made it look easy. "They had four or five home runs tonight, didn't they?" Cooper said. "I can't remember how many balls went out of the ballpark. Not a good night of pitching for us, and a pretty good offensive night for them."
