Lucas Harrell allowed two runs -- one earned -- over seven innings but took the loss as the Astros fell to the Orioles on Tuesday. Harrell deserved better, as he allowed just five hits and no walks while striking out six in the outing. Alas, the Astros couldn't muster more than one run, dropping Harrell's record to 4-7 on the year. He'll hope for a better fate against the Royals on Sunday.

Lucas Harrell allowed just one run over seven innings but the Astros lost to the Pirates on Sunday. Harrell got exactly zero support from his offense and was handed his fifth loss despite pitching very well. He allowed just four hits -- one double and three singles -- while striking out three batters and walking only one. The right-hander will try to keep it rolling next week against the A's.

Lucas Harrell will move up in the rotation to start Sunday against the Pirates. Bud Norris was originally scheduled to start Sunday, but he'll get some extra rest after he left a start earlier this week due to back spasms. Harrell has an ugly 5.11 ERA and 29/29 K/BB ratio in 49 1/3 innings through nine starts this season.

Lucas Harrell allowed five runs in five-plus innings as the Astros lost to the Tigers on Tuesday. Harrell held the Tigers scoreless through the first four innings but allowed three in the fifth and two more in the sixth before he was removed. He was playing with fire all night, though, relying on two double plays and registering just one strikeout on the evening. Like all the other Astros pitchers, he should continue to be ignored in all formats. His next start will come Monday against the Royals.

Lucas Harrell allowed eight runs in 4 1/3 innings as the Astros lost to the Tigers on Saturday. Harrell was generous with both hits and walks, allowing 10 and four, respectively. He also gave up a two-run home run to Miguel Cabrera. Harrell had allowed just five earned runs over his previous four outings heading into Saturday. He will take on the Rangers next.

Lucas Harrell pitched 6 1/3 innings of one-run ball Monday in a victory over the Yankees. Harrell has won three straight and pitched well enough to prevail in five of his six starts; eight of the 14 runs he's allowed came in an April 7 lost. He's still in such a bad situation in Houston that we don't recommend him in AL-only leagues, but he's done a nice job so far.

Lucas Harrell held the Mariners to one run in seven innings Wednesday to win a second straight start. Harrell has been effective in four of his five starts, but all he has to show for it is a 2-2 record, a 4.08 ERA and a 1.57 WHIP. He doesn't have much fantasy upside pitching on a team as poor as the Astros.

Lucas Harrell picked up his first victory of the 2013 season, limiting the Indians to two runs on five hits over 5 2/3 innings on Friday. Harrell struck out four in the game. He struggled with his command for most of the night, issuing five free passes, but was able to work his way out of trouble for the most part. All of the damage against him came on a two-run homer off the bat of Lonnie Chisenhall in the fourth inning. Harrell will look to carry over the momentum from this strong outing when he takes on the Mariners at home on Wednesday.

Lucas Harrell went six innings and allowed just one run, but he took the loss against the Rangers on Tuesday. Harrell was very good, but his start was completely overshadowed by the dominance of Rangers starter Yu Darvish. The 27-year-old right-hander won 11 games and posted a 3.76 ERA for the Astros in 2012, both impressive numbers given his surroundings. Unfortunately for Harrell, the Astros haven't gotten any better and his team moved to the American League, so he's not a strong option outside of AL-only leagues. But he's a player to keep an eye on going forward.

Lucas Harrell took his first loss of the spring after giving up two runs -- one earned -- in six innings Thursday against the Braves. Harrell ends the spring with a 2.25 ERA and a 15/8 K/BB ratio in 24 innings. We doubt he'll find the AL West as much to his liking as the NL Central was when he went 11-11 with a 3.76 ERA last season. Still, he's emerged as one of the Astros' key cogs.