Kerfeld was the Astros\' first pick (5th overall) in the secondary phase of 1982 draft, and fared well his first year at Asheville, and his second at Columbus, with sub 3.00 ERAs and 30 wins. He led the 1983 Sally League in wins, complete games, and innings pitched, while finishing second in strikeouts, earning Pitcher of the Year honors. Though he struggled initially at the triple-A level, he eventually found his bearings and even earned a July 1985 call-up to the major league club at the age of 21.\n', '

Kerfeld made the big league roster out of spring training in 1986, and had a career year posting an 11-2 record and a 2.59 ERA as the setup man for closer Dave Smith. His unexpected performance that year was a key reason the Astros won the National League Western Division title that season. He led the National League in won-loss percentage and finished fourth in the Rookie of the Year balloting. Kerfeld capped his season by pitching four innings and giving up a run in the NLCS. He took the loss in Game 5 when Gary Carter slapped Kerfeld\'s twelfth-inning pitch for a single, scoring Wally Backman.\n', '

Kerfeld began 1987 with the Astros, but was sent down to Tucson on April 26 after 11 games after posting an 0 – 2 record and a 6.67 ERA. After being taken out of a May game in Tucson, Kerfeld flung the baseball, underhanded but forcefully, at Tucson manager Bob Didier. The manager fined Kerfeld and suspended him for two games. Tucson pitching coach expressed frustration with Kerfeld, saying, "A lot of things have been said. A lot of things have been done. But very little sinks in."\n', '

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