Astacio May Still Get Final Word

After Colorado pitcher Pedro Astacio helped lead the Rockies to a 4-0 victory at Atlanta on Sunday, the Braves had a lot to say about the trade that brought him from the Dodgers.

“L.A. will be kicking themselves soon for letting Astacio go,” said pitcher John Smoltz, who took the loss for the Braves. “He’s thrown well against us the last two times, but now he’s throwing his curve and change for strikes. He keeps doing that, he’s going to win a lot of games.”

Astacio, 4-0 since Colorado acquired him from the Dodgers on Aug. 17, gave up four hits in eight innings and walked two. He had been 0-9 against Atlanta before defeating the Braves with a three-hitter July 19.

“It was just a big win,” Astacio said. “I felt good. I had a good breaking ball today. I was moving the ball around.”

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After Montreal’s David Segui was called out at home in the Expos’ 1-0 loss to the New York Mets, Expo Manager Felipe did not have kind words for plate umpire Larry Vanover.

“I don’t think he saw the play well,” Alou said. “I don’t think he was in the right position. That’s about the only way you can miss that kind of a play, is if the runner blocks you from seeing the rest of the play.

“There should be a higher authority to eject an umpire. You have ejections and maybe suspensions--one bad thing leads to another bad thing.”

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St. Louis rookie right-hander Mike Busby, whose contract was purchased from the Cardinals’ triple-A Louisville team Friday, is scheduled to start Tuesday against the Dodgers.