"It's hard to accept this position, but if I want to be a part of this team I have to," Ortiz said. "I told them I want to be a part of this team."

--RHP Felipe Paulino, who had a 2.55 ERA over three starts earlier this season while RHP Brian Moehler was on the DL, is pleased to go back in the rotation.

"This is my opportunity I have waited for," Paulino said.

--LHP Mike Hampton will be given an extra day of rest before he starts Wednesday against the Colorado Rockies.

--RHP Brian Moehler was taken out of the decision Saturday after the Astros failed to maintain his lead, but he made a sensational impression with his best start of the season. He allowed only one run and five hits in seven innings against the Padres, throwing 91 pitches in his second start after coming off the disabled list.

MEDICAL WATCH:

1B Lance Berkman (sprained left wrist) sat out May 8-10. He is day-to-day.

RHP Roy Oswalt (bone bruise on right index finger) left the May 5 game. He expects to make his May 10 start.

C Humberto Quintero (strained right shoulder) went on the 15-day disabled list April 25. He began a rehab assignment May 8 with Class AAA Round Rock, and he is expected to be activated May 12.

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.

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 Doug Brocail (torn left hamstring) went on the 15-day disabled list May 4. He is out at least a month, and if he ultimately requires surgery, he would miss the rest of the season.

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 Brian Moehler

RHP Felipe Paulino

BULLPEN:

RHP LaTroy Hawkins (closer)

LHP Wesley Wright

RHP Geoff Geary

LHP Tim Byrdak

RHP Chris Sampson

RHP Jeff Fulchino

RHP Alberto Arias

RHP Russ Ortiz

CATCHERS:

Ivan Rodriguez

J.R. Towles

INFIELDERS:

1B Lance Berkman

2B Kaz Matsui

SS Miguel Tejada

3B Geoff Blum

INF Jeff Keppinger

OUTFIELDERS:

LF Carlos Lee

CF Michael Bourn

RF Hunter Pence

OF/1B Darin Erstad

OF Jason Michaels