Capellan allowed four hits and struck out four in 4 2-3 innings in his first Grapefruit League start. The 28-year-old right-hander has made four appearances this spring and surrendered just eight hits and a walk.

"He is stepping up big time," manager Cecil Cooper said. "I kind of had him pegged as a possible relief pitcher, but we have an opening in the rotation and he's making a case - a good case."

The Astros entered spring training with only veteran Roy Oswalt assured a spot in the rotation. Mike Hampton, Wandy Rodriguez, and Brian Moehler are hoping to follow Oswalt, and Capellan certainly has worked his way into the picture for the fifth spot.

"I'm very happy with the way this spring has gone," he said. "Things are working well. All the extra work is paying off."

Capellan made his major league debut with Atlanta in 2004 and also has played for the Milwaukee Brewers, Detroit Tigers and Colorado Rockies in five seasons. His best year was with the Brewers in 2006, when he went 4-2 with a 4.40 ERA in 61 games.

Capellan has pitched in 99 games in his career, making only two starts in 2004 with the Braves.

"In the past, he was more of a thrower than a pitcher," Cooper said. "Now he looks like a pitcher. He's more mature. He has a better feel for what he's doing. He has looked very, very impressive for us. Let's just keep our fingers crossed. For now, he's been taking the bull by the horns."

Atlanta's Derek Lowe pitched five innings in his longest stint of the spring. He allowed two runs and four hits, struck out six and walked two.

"I'll take it. I'm happy where things are," Lowe said. "This was more of a struggle than my last time, but my location was good."

Brandon Jones hit a two-run double off Tim Byrdak in the Braves' three-run eighth.

Notes: Houston dropped to 1-14 this spring. ... The Braves released RHP Phil Stockman before the game.