The clock has struck 12 on Astros SP Mike Burrows.

Today, the Astros announced that they were optioning Burrows to Triple-A Sugar land and recalling RP Alimber Santa.

Burrows has struggled mightily this season, and yesterday’s start was the final straw. Burrows was staked to a 6-1 lead through 3 innings, blew the entire lead in the 3rd and then gave up the lead in the 5th, an inning in which he would get one out and leave with the bases loaded.

In 10 of Burrows’ 17 starts, he has allowed at least 4 earned runs. The Astros are 2-8 in those games.

For the season, Burrows is 4-9 with a 5.99 ERA and 1.55 WHIP. He leads the AL in most losses and most earned runs allowed. He has allowed a staggering 21 HR in 94.2 IP after allowing 13 HR in 96 IP last season.

From last season to this season, Burrows strikeout rate has plummeted from 9.1 K/9 to 7.1 K/9. His H/9 rate has exploded from 8.3 to 10.6.

For Alimber Santa, this is his second stint with the big league club this season. The 23 year old rookie represented himself well in 8 appearances covering 12.2 IP. Santa posted an 0-1 record, 0.71 ERA and 0.79 WHIP. He allowed only 1 ER and 5 hits, with 8 strikeouts.