Kata back in the bigs

by Ryan Schulz - The Houston Astros recalled former Commodore Matt Kata from Triple-A Round Rock over the weekend. The versatile Kata has played every position besides catcher and pitcher in his four years in the majors. He was promoted after second baseman Kaz Matsui was placed on the 15-day disabled list.

Kata made his big-league debut in 2003 with Arizona and also played with Philadelphia, Texas, and most recently with Pittsburgh in 2007. Last year, he played for Triple-A Indianapolis in the Pirates farm system.

He has a .242 average with 12 homers and 58 RBI in 238 career games in the majors. Kata is one of four Commodores currently in the majors, joining pitchers Jensen Lewis, David Price and Jeremy Sowers.

On a related note, Sowers will take the hill tonight when Cleveland hosts the New York Yankees at 6:05 p.m. CT. Sowers was moved back into the rotation after tossing five scoreless innings of relief last week to pick up a win against Tampa Bay.

Sowers called up from minors

(Cleveland Indians)

by Ryan Schulz - Former Commodore southpaw Jeremy Sowers was called up from Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday and will make his first start of the season on Thursday when the Cleveland Indians play at the Boston Red Sox.

Sowers was in a tight battle for the fifth spot in Cleveland’s rotation during spring training before being optioned to Columbus where he was 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA in four starts this season. He also had 22 strikeouts in 24 innings and the opposition was hitting .240 against him.

Sowers took the place of Aaron Laffey, who was moved to the bullpen.