--C Humberto Quintero, who is eligible to come off the disabled list Sunday, played catch from 150 feet Tuesday in his biggest throwing test since he was hurt in a collision with Milwaukee's Mike Cameron on April 24.

Quintero also took full batting practice for the first time, one day after taking a light batting-practice session. Barring a setback, he'll block balls in the dirt Wednesday and throw to second base Thursday for the first time since landing on the DL.

--RHP Russ Ortiz, who was used in relief Sunday after he was bumped from the rotation to help the depleted bullpen, is scheduled to start Thursday against the Cubs.

--RHP Jose Valverde was discharged from the hospital Monday after having fluid drained from his right ankle Thursday and Friday. Valverde had an incision Friday to remove in excess of 40 CCs of fluid, and he was kept in the hospital to make sure he didn't develop an infection.

--RHP Brandon Backe, who is scheduled for three more rehab starts on his road to recovery from a left intercostal strain, will remain with Class AA Corpus Christi, assistant GM David Gottfried said. Backe threw 72 pitches over five scoreless innings Sunday against Frisco. "He pitched well," manager Cecil Cooper said. "That's a good first step, a great first step."

--RHP Doug Brocail, who was placed on the disabled list Monday after being hurt Sunday, will have an MRI exam on his strained left hamstring Wednesday in Houston.

MEDICAL WATCH:

RHP Roy Oswalt (bone bruise on right index finger) left the May 5 game. His status for his next start was uncertain.

RHP Doug Brocail (strained left hamstring) went on the 15-day disabled list May 4. He will have an MRI on May 6.

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.

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, and he moved his rehab to Class AA Corpus Christi on May 3. He could return to the Astros in late May.

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 Brian Moehler

BULLPEN:

RHP LaTroy Hawkins (closer)

LHP Wesley Wright

RHP Geoff Geary

RHP Felipe Paulino

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