News: Making just his second start, Houston SP Alberto Arias did not fare well against the Marlins on Thursday. Arias fell to 1-1 as he allowed two runs on five hits over just 2 2/3 innings. He walked three and struck out two.

Analysis: Arias won his last start against the Pirates but with just one more start remaining this season, he's not a viable Fantasy option in anything but NL-only leagues. His next scheduled start comes Wednesday against Cincinnati

Arias has an impressive 13-to-1 ground ball-to-fly ball ratio in two starts with the Astros, a rate that probably isn't sustainable. He had a 31-to-10 rate in 13 2/3 innings with the Rockies earlier this season, but the law of averages suggests that batters probably will connect for more fly balls off the righty. Arias, if he were to take another turn in the rotation, would probably face the Reds at home on Sept. 24.

MLB.com reports Houston Astros SP Alberto Arias (1-0, 1.93 ERA) will start Thursday, Sept. 18, against the Florida Marlins.

News: Houston SP Alberto Arias was scheduled to make his second career start on Saturday against the Cubs but Hurricane Ike has forced that game to be postponed.

Analysis: Since the Astros don't figure to need him in Fantasy Week 25 (Sept. 15-21), Arias will likely head back to the bullpen. If that happens, he has little to no Fantasy value as a middle reliever

Alberto Arias has been slated to start Friday against the Cubs, according to the Houston Chronicle. Brandon Backe, who was skipped from his scheduled start Monday due to tightness in his right forearm, threw a pen session Wednesday and expects to be ready to start Saturday if manager Cecil Cooper wants him to face the Cubs.Arias will be pitching on short rest instead of the usual four days off as he took the hill in Monday's win against the Pirates. He pitched five strong innings without issuing an earned run and holds a 1.93 ERA and 1.12 WHIP over 18.2 innings for the season. He is worth a look in deeper NL-only leagues for Friday's start, despite a tough assignment against Chicago.

Alberto Arias may get another start for the Astros on Saturday, as Brandon Backe is dealing with arm issues and Wandy Rodriguez is still suffering from an oblique problem, according to the Houston Chronicle.Arias' last start was a five inning shutout of Pittsburgh. He has a 1.93 ERA in 18.2 innings this season and it may not hurt to give him a look in deep NL-only leagues.

News: Astros RP Alberto Arias, making a spot start in place of Brandon Backe (arm), fared well in a victory Monday against the Pirates. He allowed only two hits in five innings, walking three and striking out six.

Analysis: Arias was making his first career start, bouncing between the rotation and the bullpen in the majors and the minors this year. He might not make another start, but he's just an NL-only option if it does

Making a spot start in place of Brandon Backe on Monday night, Alberto Arias tossed five scoreless frames, leading the Astros to a 3-2 victory over the Pirates. [...]

Arias got the start over a hobbled Brandon Backe and made the most of it. Arias was lights-out as a reliever with the Rockies earlier in the season, posting a 2.63 ERA over 13 2/3 innings of relief and has now hurled 11 2/3 consecutive scoreless frames dating back to May 26. It's unclear as to whether he'll get another turn in the rotation but NL-only leaguers should get acquainted with the 24-year-old right-hander quickly.

Arias got the start over a hobbled Brandon Backe and made the most of it. Arias was lights-out as a reliever with the Rockeis earlier in the season, posting a 2.63 ERA over 13 2/3 innings of relief and has now hurled 11 2/3 consecutive scoreless frames dating back to May 26. It's unclear as to whether he'll get another turn in the rotation but NL-only leaguers should get acquainted with the 24-year-old right-hander quickly.

The Associated Press reports Houston Astros SP Alberto Arias gave up just two hits in five impressive innings Monday, Sept. 8, in his first major league start. He also walked three and struck out six in the game.

Making a spot start in place of Brandon Backe on Monday night, Alberto Arias tossed five scoreless frames, leading the Astros to a 3-2 victory over the Pirates. [...]

The Associated Press reports Houston Astros P Alberto Arias will start Monday, Sept. 8, in place of SP Brandon Backe (arm).

The Associated Press reports Houston Astros SP P Alberto Arias will start Monday, Sept. 8, in place of SP Brandon Backe (arm).