Cox still pleased with Campillo

Houston — His final start of the season was perhaps his worst, but Jorge Campillo didn’t do anything to hurt his standing with manager Bobby Cox.

The well-traveled rookie lasted three innings Friday and gave up seven hits and four runs for no decision against the Astros, in a game the Braves lost 5-4.

“Campillo was just pitched out, I think,” Cox said of the 30-year-old right-hander. “I thought about not starting him [Friday].”

Campillo was the Braves’ most pleasant surprise in the early season. After making the team as a non-roster spring training invitee, he moved from the bullpen to the rotation in May after injuries to other starters.

He went 6-4 with a 2.92 ERA and .240 opponents’ average in 15 starts through Aug. 3, with 59 strikeouts and only 16 walks in 86 2/3 innings.

Then, cumulative effects of winter ball and his first long stint in the majors appeared to take a toll. In his last 10 starts, Campillo was 2-3 with a 6.75 ERA and .320 opponents’ average, with 31 strikeouts and 17 walks in 50 2/3 innings.

“He had a great season,” Cox said. “I told him that when I took him out [of Friday’s game].”

Campillo will finish 8-7 with a 3.91 ERA in 39 games (25 starts). He is still two seasons from arbitration eligibility will likely be a candidate for a rotation spot with the Braves in 2009.