Clint Barmes (fractured hand) will wear a protective pad on his batting glove when he returns to action.

"It's just a Velcro patch that goes over the top of my batting glove and the pad goes on there," Barmes said. "It's exactly what [Jeff Bagwell] had. It's something I guess I might want to get used to. It's kind of a freak deal, but this is the second time it's happened." Barmes is slated to return late this month.

Astros placed INF Clint Barmes on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 22, with a left hand fracture.

Barmes broke a bone in his left hand when he was hit by a pitch last Friday. He was originally expected to four to six weeks with the injury, but the club is now "cautiously optimistic" that he could be back in as soon as three weeks. Angel Sanchez is expected to fill in at shortstop for now, though he's not a recommended option in fantasy.

Clint Barmes will miss 4-6 weeks with a non-displaced fracture of the fifth metacarpal on his left hand.

Barmes was hit on the hand by a pitch in Friday's game and said he thought he'd be fine, but evidently that's not the case. With Jeff Keppinger also sidelined, Angel Sanchez is likely to open the season as the Astros' starting shortstop. Barmes figures to be back with the 'Stros at some point in May.

Clint Barmes left Friday's game after being his on the left hand by a pitch.

It's just being called a contusion for now, but he'll have an X-ray Saturday to make sure nothing is broken. Barmes is hitting just .196 this spring.

Clint Barmes went 0-for-4 in Tuesday's loss and is hitting just .208/.288/.302 in 53 at-bats for the spring.

The Astros wanted Barmes to step up and claim the second spot in the order, but it's just not happening so far. Hopefully they'll reverse course and try Brett Wallace there, at least against right-handers.

Clint Barmes went 0-for-3 on Saturday and is 1-for-13 so far this spring.

Barmes shouldn't have to worry about losing any playing time based on his spring performance, but his lineup placement could hinge on how he plays this month. The Astros were believed to be leaning towards batting him second, but they'd probably be better off with him hitting seventh and Brett Wallace in the two hole.

Astros and 2B Clint Barmes avoided arbitration Tuesday by agreeing to a one-year, $3.925 million contract.

Barmes is in his final year of arbitration eligibility and will enter the free agent market next winter if the Astros decide to let him walk. The 31-year-old had a really poor showing at the plate in 2010 for the Rockies and probably won't do all that well as Houston's starting shortstop this year.

Clint Barmes was told Thursday by Astros GM Ed Wade that he will play shortstop primarily next season.

The Astros picked up Barmes from the Rockies on Thursday afternoon for right-hander Felipe Paulino. The 31-year-old infielder hit just .235 with equally poor on-base and slugging percentages in 2010, but he actually represents an upgrade over what the Astros fielded at shortstop this past season.

Astros acquired INF Clint Barmes from the Rockies for RHP Felipe Paulino.

Barmes, 31, batted just .235/.305/.351 with eight homers and 50 RBI this past season, but is a solid defender and still possesses good power for a middle infielder. It hurts to give up on a young pitcher like Felipe Paulino, but the Astros apparently think Barmes can be an everyday player for them next season, whether at second base or shortstop.

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that the Rockies are drawing "heavy interest" for infielder Clint Barmes.

The Rox are first going to explore a multi-year extension with the 31-year-old Barmes, but if that falls through trade talks may begin. He posted a weak .235/.305/.351 batting line this year for Colorado, but he's versatile on the infield and slugged eight home runs in 387 at-bats.

Clint Barmes went 2-for-4 with a double in his return to the Rockies' lineup Sunday against the Cardinals.

Barmes missed a couple of games near the end of the season to be with his father, who has been battling cancer, but made it back before Sunday's finale. He played in honor of his "pops" and surely did him proud.

Clint Barmes returned to action on Sunday October 3.

Clint Barmes has left the team in order to attend to his sick father.

His father is currently battling cancer, so the club will give him the time he needs as the season winds down.

Rockies activated INF Clint Barmes from the bereavement list.

He'll start at shortstop Monday with Troy Tulowitzki out of the starting lineup. Barmes left the team over the weekend to attend to his father, who is going through Stage 4 lung cancer.

Rockies placed Clint Barmes on the bereavement list.

Barmes needs the time off to deal with an ailing family member. It's not clear how long he'll be away. Jonathan Herrera will be the primary backup to Eric Young at second base until Barmes returns.

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that the Braves are interested in Clint Barmes.

Barmes would presumably play second base, allowing Martin Prado to fill in for Chipper Jones at third base. The Rockies haven't placed Barmes on waivers yet, so it's only a hypothetical possibility right now.

Clint Barmes is working on a 12-game hitting streak.

The Colorado infielder has 20 hits in his last 48 at-bats and has quickly lifted his batting average from .220 to .257. With 41 RBI and shortstop eligibility in most leagues, he is not the worst fantasy option.

Clint Barmes stayed hot with a home run and two RBI in Friday's win over the Giants.

With all the injuries to middle infielders around the right now, Barmes should be a hot commodity. He's also a good option for owners getting sick of Ian Desmond types. Barmes hit .313 in June and is off to a quick start in July.

Clint Barmes had a three-run homer and an RBI single as part of the Rockies' 6-3 win over the Padres on Tuesday.

After a very slow start, Barmes has stepped it up since Troy Tulowitzki went down. He's hitting .303 with two homers and eight doubles during June. For the year, he's at .242 with six homers.

Clint Barmes drove in both Rockies runs in an 11-inning victory over the Giants on Tuesday.

Barmes tied the game with a sac fly in the seventh and doubled in Miguel Olivo for the go-ahead run in the 11th. Manuel Corpas took over from there and picked up his fifth save. Barmes has been incredibly consistent this year, in that he's performed equally awfully against lefties and righties and he was just as bad in April as he was in May. Still, he's driven in 26 runs anyway, and with his possible replacement, Eric Young Jr., on the shelf with a broken leg, he has a month to rebound before he has to worry about losing playing time.