While splitting time between starting and relieving, he went 3–8 in . The Astros won a one-game playoff against the Los Angeles Dodgers, which resulted in Andújar making his first postseason appearance. He recorded a save in Game Two of the 1980 National League Championship Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. After starting the season 2–3 with a 4.94 ERA, he was dealt to the St. Louis Cardinals for Tony Scott just before the players' strike.