Closer Jose Valverde won't be available for at least the first two games of the three-game series against the Reds because he had a setback in his recovery from the right calf strain he suffered April 21.
"It'll take a couple more days," said Valverde, who aggravated the injury Sunday fielding a bunt during his save against the Brewers at Minute Maid Park. "I'm getting massages and ice right now for it. That's all." It's unclear whether Valverde will have to go on the disabled list with the calf strain.
"We'll have to wait and see how it goes in the next day or so," manager Cecil Cooper said when asked if a DL stint was likely for Valverde.
Valverde doesn't even plan on playing catch in the next two days.
In his absence, LaTroy Hawkins will serve as the closer, as he did while Valverde was out Wednesday through Friday.
"Nothing," Valverde said when asked what he will do the next two days.
Even if Valverde doesn't go on the disabled list soon, he'll miss at least two games.
"Give him a couple days," manager Cecil Cooper said. "That's what he needs. He's a guy that we need, so we can't have him limping around and going through the next two or three weeks like this. We need to get him right, so whatever it takes."
ASTROS 4, REDS 1: Although Roy Oswalt didn't figure in the decision, his seven strong innings of one-run ball were a major reason the Astros won. Hunter Pence delivered a two-run double in the game-winning three-run rally in the ninth.
