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Hernandez makes debut for Astros against Red Sox

Jun 27, 2008 - 1:49 PM HOUSTON (Ticker) -- Now that the Houston Astros have released pitcher Shawn Chacon after an altercation with general manager Ed Wade, they can concentrate on a more pressing issue - winning.

The Astros, who are 7-15 in June, open a three-game interleague series with the surging Boston Red Sox at Minute Maid Park on Friday looking to put this week's distraction behind them.

Chacon was placed on waivers Thursday for chronic incidents with management.

"As an organization we feel we have fairly treated this player," Wade said of Chacon. "His pattern of disrespect and defiance to me, the manager, the pitching coach and most important the organization led us to this decision."

Runelvys Hernandez will take the mound for Houston in place of Chacon for his first start since September 29, 2006 against the Detroit Tigers.

Hernandez was 6-10 with a 6.48 ERA in 21 starts with the Kansas City Royals in 2006.

The Red Sox counter with Daisuke Matsuzaka (8-1, 3.46 ERA), who is coming off a rough outing against the St. Louis Cardinals in which he allowed seven runs and six hits in just one-plus inning of work.

That, however, was Matsuzaka's first start since coming off the 15-day disabled list with a right rotator cuff strain.

The Japanese import will try to contain Houston's Lance Berkman, who was 7-for-10 in a three-game series against the Texas Rangers this week. The slugger, batting .367 with 21 home runs, continues to maintain his spot among the league leaders in numerous offensive categories.