HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros announced today that the club has activated infielder Kazuo Matsui from the 15-Day Disabled List. Additionally, the club has outrighted right-handed pitcher Runelvys Hernandez to Triple A Round Rock, removing him from the 40-man roster. The announcement was made by General Manager Ed Wade.

Matsui, 32, has hit .285 (96x337) with five home runs, 28 RBI, 23 doubles, and 19 stolen bases in 85 games for the Astros in 2008. He was placed on the 15-day DL on August 16 (retroactive to August 13) with an irritated disc in his back. In 460 career Major League games over five seasons with the New York Mets (2004-06), Colorado (2006-07), and the Astros (2008), Matsui has hit .275 (472x1717) with 22 home runs, 159 RBI, and 81 stolen bases.

The 30-year-old Hernandez appeared in four games (all starts) for Houston in 2008, posting an 0-3 record with an 8.38 ERA (18ER/19.1IP). He also pitched in 24 games (23 starts) for Round Rock in 2008, finishing 8-8 with a 4.91 ERA (68ER/124.2IP), walking 43 and striking out 95. In 82 career Major League starts over five seasons with Kansas City (2002-03, 2005-06) and Houston (2008), Hernandez is 25-36 with a 5.50 ERA (278ER/454.2IP), including one complete game.