Astros’ Saarloos Is Sent to Minors

The Houston Astros returned top pitching prospect Kirk Saarloos to the minors Sunday after three rough starts in which the right-hander had a 17.65 earned-run average and two losses.

He gave up 21 hits, including three homers, and 17 earned runs in 8 2/3 innings.

The club promoted right-handed reliever Jim Mann from New Orleans of the triple-A Pacific Coast League.

Mann, 27, was 0-1 with a 5.14 ERA in six appearances with the Astros earlier this season.

Saarloos, 23, a former Cal State Fullerton star, was optioned to New Orleans, a promotion from his last minor league stop at Round Rock of the double-A Texas League.

The Astros called him up in mid-June because of season-ending surgery to starter Shane Reynolds.

*

Deciding that Alberto Castillo was not the answer as Jorge Posada’s backup, the New York Yankees purchased the contract of catcher Chris Widger from triple-A Columbus and designated Castillo for assignment.

Castillo, the catcher when Roger Cedeno stole home during Saturday’s game against the New York Mets, was batting .139 with no homers and four runs batted in.

Widger was batting .244 with 10 homers and 39 RBIs in 61 games at Columbus.

He is a .240 career hitter with 50 homers and 183 RBIs in parts of six seasons with Seattle and Montreal.

*

The San Diego Padres have agreed to terms with shortstop Khalil Greene, a first-round draft pick who helped lead Clemson to the College World Series this season.

He is expected to join Eugene of the Class A Northwest League on Tuesday.

Greene was drafted in the 14th round by the Chicago Cubs last year but didn’t sign and returned to Clemson.

He batted .470 with a team-record 27 home runs and 91 RBIs this season.

*

The St. Louis Cardinals put outfielder J.D. Drew, who has been suffering from tendinitis in his right knee, on the 15-day disabled list. No surgery is expected, the club said.

*

The Chicago White Sox took catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. off the 15-day disabled list and recalled him from his rehabilitation assignment at triple-A Charlotte.

He has been on the disabled list since June 13 because of a shoulder injury. He was batting .284 with four homers and 18 RBIs.