Houston Astros right-hander Brandon Backe entered Spring Training with a chip on his shoulder. The 30-year-old Galveston native finished 9-14 with a 6.05 ERA in 31 starts last season.
After undergoing career-threatening Tommy John surgery Sept. 7, 2006, Backe perservered through intensive rehabilitation and returned to the mound toward the end of the 2007 season.
Backe stayed healthy last season, but struggled over the course of the season, giving up 202 hits and 36 homers in 166.2 innings.
A terrible September and an October arrest in Galveston for involvement in a fight at a wedding put the Astros in a challenging position to decide whether or not to bring back the seven-year veteran.
Ultimately, Backe agreed to a one-year, $1.55 million deal in January, but was not guaranteed a rotation spot. General manager Ed Wade and manager Cecil Cooper informed Backe that he needed to prove himself to solidify the No. 5 spot.
Entering Spring Training, Backe had to make the most of every practice and performance on the mound to make the opening-day roster. He understood that non-roster invitee and former All-Star Russ Ortiz, along with Fernando Nieve, Felipe Paulino, Clay Hensley and Jose Capellan would also compete for the final spot in the rotation.
Now, Backe must climb an uphill battle to overcome a strained left intercostal muscle, which he hurt Sunday while tossing two scoreless innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Before the game, his spring record was 0-1 with a 6.00 ERA in six innings.
For a guy needing every chance, Backe faces at least a 10-day recovery period before taking the mound, leaving the right-hander with approximately 12 days to build pitching endurance in order to be ready for opening day.
Realistically, the injury may have cost Backe a chance of making the roster. Time has become his biggest enemy and the Houston Chronicle reports that the Astros will owe him his entire 2009 salary by not deciding his fate before April 1.
During the offseason, owner Drayton McLane and Wade looked for bargains and chose not to spend a substantial amount of money signing free agents. Ortiz has emerged as the leading candidate for the No. 5 spot and a tremendous performance today against the Philadelphia Phillies may push the former All-Star over the top.
The fact remains that once Backe returns, he simply does not have enough time to condition his body to throw the number of inning required for a starting pitcher. Houston's organization wants to save money and will not be inclined to give Backe an entire year's salary if he's not ready to make an immediate impact.
Backe anxiously awaits, recognizing that his chances of making the team slips away each passing day.
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