--RHP Felipe Paulino, who allowed two runs (one earned) and six hits over 5 2/3 innings Wednesday in a 3-0 loss to the Reds, is likely to remain with the club even after RHP Brian Moehler returns.

Considering RHP Jose Valverde is on the disabled list, the Astros can demote RHP Jeff Fulchino back to Class AAA Round Rock once Moehler is activated. Dating back to last year, Paulino is 1-2 with a 1.90 ERA over his last four starts in the majors.

--SS Miguel Tejada, who batted third Wednesday for the first time this season and went 1-for-4, has a six-game road hitting streak. Over his last six road games, he's hitting .480 (12-for-25).

--1B Lance Berkman, who was kept out of the lineup Wednesday because he was struggling, will return to the starting lineup Friday against the Braves.

"That's the thing that's so frustrating about it because there's really no formula for getting out of it," said Berkman, who is hitting .162 with a team-high 22 strikeouts, plus five home runs and 10 RBIs. "And if there were, you'd be considered a guru and people would pay you a lot of money to work with their players."

MEDICAL WATCH:

RHP Jose Valverde (strained right calf) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 27. He had fluid drained from the calf April 30, and he might be out until late May.

C Humberto Quintero (strained right shoulder) went on the 15-day disabled list April 25. He resumed throwing April 28.

RHP Brian Moehler (strained right knee) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 14. He began a rehab assignment with Class AAA Round Rock on April 24, and he pitched for Class AA Corpus Christi on April 29. He is likely to be activated May 5.

RHP Brandon Backe (strained left side muscle) went on the 15-day disabled list March 27. He began a rehab assignment with Class AAA Round Rock on April 27.

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 LaTroy Hawkins (closer)

RHP Doug Brocail

LHP Wesley Wright

RHP Geoff Geary

LHP Tim Byrdak

RHP Chris Sampson

RHP Jeff Fulchino

CATCHERS:

Ivan Rodriguez

J.R. Towles

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