Chris Sampson

2013

There was no outlook written for Chris Sampson.

2010

The Astros relied heavily on Sampson out of the bullpen this season and for about half of the season it worked. He sported a tidy 2.83 ERA and 1.280 WHIP through the All-Star break before coming unhinged (16 ER / 7.2 IP) in the second half, although injuries were partially to blame for the derailment. The Astros finally gave up on trying him as a starter, which makes sense given that his stuff is much better suited for the bullpen. Though the end season line was not pretty, he's a reasonable bet to put up passable rate stats, even if he won't give you the strikeouts you'd expect from a middle reliever.

2009

Sampson made 54 appearances, including 11 starts, for the Astros in 2008 before suffering a torn tendon in his right elbow at the end of the season, making it two years in a row that he dealt with elbow issues. He went 6-4 with a 4.22 ERA while striking out 61 hitters in 117.1 innings. The recovery time from his elbow injury is four-to-six months, so his availability for the start of spring training is in doubt. If healthy, he’ll likely compete for a spot in the rotation, but he's better suited to work in long relief.

2008

Sampson earned a spot in Houston's rotation out of spring training, and went 7-8 with a 4.59 ERA in 24 appearances, 19 starts, in 2007. He suffered an elbow injury in August and on a limited basis as a reliever one month later. He'll compete for a spot in the rotation again at spring training, but will almost certainly end up as a middle reliever.

2007

After going 12-3 with a 2.51 ERA and a 68/14 K/BB ratio in 27 appearances, including 18 starts, with Triple-A Round Rock, Sampson earned a promotion to the big leagues. He appeared in 12 games for the Astros, three of them starts, and pitched well, going 2-1 with a 2.12 ERA. He'll likely fill a long relief role this year, and could spot start, as well.