As they waited for 1B Lance Berkman to regain his stroke, the Astros were trying to figure out a way to go on without star closer Jose Valverde. The rotation was set to welcome RHP Brian Moehler off the disabled list, but it remains to be seen if he will be an upgrade over RHP Felipe Paulino, who was moved to the bullpen. Manager Cecil Cooper was still waiting for his middle of the order to start clicking as expected.
PLAYER NEWS: --RHP Felipe Paulino was awarded the victory in Saturday's game, originally given by the official scorer to Tim Byrdak. Because of a rain delay of 1 hour, 37 minutes before the bottom of the second inning, Roy Oswalt was relieved by Paulino to start the second inning. Paulino gave up one run over two innings. Byrdak followed with 2 1/3 scoreless innings in the 5-1 victory. The Astros took a 4-1 lead in the top of the fourth, which is when Paulino was removed for a pinch hitter. The change was made in accordance with baseball scoring rules.
--RHP Brian Moehler gave up two runs on eight hits and two walks with five strikeouts over five innings in his first start since he was on the disabled list with a right knee sprain.
MEDICAL WATCH:
RHP Doug Brocail (strained left hamstring) was hurt May 3 and went on the disabled list May 4.
RHP Chris Sampson (deep bone bruise on right ankle) was hurt May 3. He is day-to-day.
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 May 1, and he might be out until early June.
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 will be activated May 4.
C Humberto Quintero (strained right shoulder) went on the 15-day disabled list April 25. He resumed throwing April 28, and he might be activated as soon as he is eligible.
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
RHP Brian Moehler
BULLPEN:
RHP LaTroy Hawkins (closer)
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
