21.   The message is clear to Houston, who has been inhibited by foul woes in two games and will undoubtedly join the rotation trying to stop the pair.

22.   The young right-hander, who is a strong candidate to join the rotation next season, was impressive in two long-relief outings this year.

23.   Tim Belcher is expected to join the rotation in less than two weeks, and someone will have to go to make room for him.

24.   While the New York Yankees ponder what is wrong with the struggling Dwight Gooden and his weary right arm, another former All-Star right-hander could soon join their rotation.

25.   Wise put together four good starts when he first joined the rotation, but he has struggled in his past two.

26.   Williams joined the rotation earlier this week, when second-string cornerback Damian Allen quit.

27.   With newly acquired Pedro Astacio set to join the rotation Thursday, either Mlicki or rookie Tim Redding will be the odd man out.

28.   Estes joins a rotation that last year included Al Leiter, Kevin Appier, Steve Trachsel, Glendon Rusch and Bruce Chen.

29.   He joins a rotation headed by AL Cy Young Award winner Pedro Martinez.

30.   He was making his third start since joining the rotation.