--3B Jeff Keppinger, who missed the entire four-game series against the Reds because of back stiffness, returned to the lineup Tuesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was 2-for-3, raising his average to a team-high .500.

--RHP Brian Moehler, on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained right knee, threw a bullpen session Tuesday wearing a right knee brace. He will throw a full bullpen session Wednesday and then will go on a rehab start, barring a setback.

--LF Carlos Lee, who has driven in a run in four consecutive games, hit a two-run home run to give the Astros the lead for good, 4-3, in the third inning. Lee has homered in consecutive games.

--SS Miguel Tejada went 2-for-5 with three RBIs, raising his average to .364 this year.

--1B Lance Berkman's RBI single in the first inning broke the Astros' 0-for-17 stretch with runners in scoring position, dating back to the seventh inning of Saturday's game against the Reds.

"Getting a little frustrated, that's where I am; it's time for it all to click in," manager Cecil Cooper said. "We should have it rolling by now."

MEDICAL WATCH:

RHP Jose Valverde (bruised right ankle, sore right calf) was hurt April 21 but remained in the game.

INF Jeff Keppinger (sore back) left the April 16 game. He sat out on April 17-20 but returned to the lineup April 21.

RHP Brian Moehler (strained right knee) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 14. He threw a bullpen session April 21 and will throw another April 22.

RHP Doug Brocail (strained right rotator cuff) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 11. He is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment April 24.

RHP Brandon Backe (strained left side muscle) went on the 15-day disabled list March 27. He threw a bullpen session April 20 and appeared to be close to going on a rehab assignment.

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

LHP Mike Hampton

RHP Russ Ortiz

RHP Felipe Paulino

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