Druan claimed by Astros

Fort Worth resident German Duran has been claimed off unconditional waivers by the Houston Astros. The Paschal High graduate, who attended TCU and Weatherford College, was exposed by the Rangers last week to make room on the 40-man roster for Willie Eyre, who has since been demonted to Triple-A Oklahoma City and will start there tonight. The Rangers had hoped to sneak Duran through waivers, and almost did. He had only a few more hours to clear and stick with the organization. Instead, the Astros got him and will have to place him on the major-league disabled list as he recovers from an appendectomy. -- Jeff Wilson