The righthander was part of big trades coming and going from Houston. After the 2003 season, he came in a four-player deal that sent closer Billy Wagner to Philadelphia. After the 2006 season, he was dealt to the Colorado Rockies in a five-player swap that sent Jason Jennings to Houston.

In between, he spent two seasons in the Astros' minor league season and spent 2006 with the Astros, appearing in 22 games, 19 of them as a starter. He posted a 6-10 record, with one shutout and had a 5.89 ERA. He has since gone 12-11 in two seasons with the Rockies but has also been beset by arm injuries.