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."