--RHP Russ Ortiz, the Astros' fifth starter, made what should be his last relief appearance before making his first start of the season Thursday against the Pirates at PNC Park.

Ortiz threw a scoreless inning, allowing one hit. He has given up three runs in four relief innings over two outings, posting a 6.75 ERA.

--1B Lance Berkman, who had a miserable September last year, is off to a .167 start this season. He has only four hits in 24 at-bats this season.

He finished last season hitting .171 (13-for-76) in September, and now he has only two RBIs to show from the Astros' No. 3 spot in the lineup.

--CF Michael Bourn, the only Astros hitter to get a hit in each of the first six games of the season, was given Monday off so Jason Michaels, who bats right-handed, could start against LHP Zach Duke.

--2B Kaz Matsui went hitless Monday for the first time this season, going 0-for-3 to drop his average to .214.

MEDICAL WATCH:

RHP Brian Moehler (strained right knee) left the April 13 game.

RHP Doug Brocail (strained right rotator cuff) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 11.

RHP Brandon Backe (strained left side muscle) went on the 15-day disabled list March 27. He threw off a mound April 8 and April 11.

INF Aaron Boone (open-heart surgery on March 26) went on the 15-day disabled list March 27, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on April 10. He was uncertain whether he'd resume his career.

ROTATION:

RHP Roy Oswalt

LHP Wandy Rodriguez

RHP Brian Moehler

LHP Mike Hampton

RHP Russ Ortiz

BULLPEN:

RHP Jose Valverde (closer)

RHP LaTroy Hawkins

LHP Wesley Wright

RHP Geoff Geary

LHP Tim Byrdak

RHP Chris Sampson

RHP Jeff Fulchino

CATCHERS:

Ivan Rodriguez

Humberto Quintero

INFIELDERS:

1B Lance Berkman

2B Kaz Matsui

SS Miguel Tejada

3B Geoff Blum

INF Jeff Keppinger

INF Jason Smith

OUTFIELDERS:

LF Carlos Lee

CF Michael Bourn

RF Hunter Pence

OF/1B Darin Erstad

OF Jason Michaels