"Considering the presence of some lingering pain and the Astros' distance from a pennant race, the team has soured on the idea of giving Bud Norris his final start after he was pulled from Tuesday's game with shoulder soreness.

The Astros have not altogether ruled Norris out. He will see team doctors today, at which time a final decision will be made.

Still, manager Brad Mills called the chances of another start "slim," and Norris called the injury tendinitis and didn't sound like there would be any more pitches in his immediate future with the season ending Sept. 28.

"It's just a dull pain," Norris said. "I've had it before, and I know what to do."

Mills said Lucas Harrell, who was the first of six relievers to follow Norris' 22/3-inning stint Tuesday, would be high on the list of candidates likely to replace Norris for Sunday's game against Colorado.

Harrell pitched 51/3 scoreless innings in his only other start with the Astros. He took Brett Myers' place Sept. 2 when Myers was gone for the birth of his child.

Including Harrell's three relief outings, the midseason waiver claim has allowed two earned runs on five hits in nine innings since his call-up."