"It was self-inflicted," James admitted. "If I pitched a little bit better I'd still be in the rotation."
James lasted just three innings in his two starts, allowing seven runs and walking 11. His second start on Sunday ended when he gave up a grand slam to Albert Pujols. James stayed positive when talking to the media after both starts, but Thursday acknowledged he had some issues that needed to be worked out.
"I didn't land any of my off-speed (pitches) for strikes, James said. "It makes it easier for them to get me into counts where they're hunting fastball, and that at bat specifically to Pujols, bases were loaded, I hadn't really thrown off-speed for a strike. It was 2-0 and there's only one pitch that I could throw there, and he was ready for it."
With Roberto Osuna and Chris Devenski out of action due to elbow injuries, Astros manager Dusty Baker said the need for an experienced reliever also contributed to the decision to move James to the bullpen, so that made the news a little easier to take for the 27-year old.
"If the team needs me in the bullpen, that's where I need to be, so I'm ready."