Roy Oswalt aggravated the left hip abductor strain that had kept him out of competition since June 30. 

--The All-Star break, which begins after the series finale Sunday, cannot get here soon enough for the Astros, who are now 2-5 on their 10-day, nine-game trip through Atlanta, Pittsburgh and Washington D. 

MEDICAL WATCH: RHP Roy Oswalt (left hip adductor strain) left his June 30 start after six innings. 

Following their biggest victory of the season, the Washington Nationals look to win consecutive games in a series for the first time in nearly a month when they continue their three-game set against the Houston Astros on Saturday night. 

Tim Redding was the beneficiary of the Nationals' biggest shutout win since the franchise moved to Washington before the 2005 season. 

Houston Astros starter Roy Oswalt left the game against the Washington Nationals because of a left hip abductor stain after throwing a scoreless first inning on Friday night. 

Injuries can ruin a fantasy season. 

--2B Kaz Matsui had two hits Wednesday in his first game back after coming off the disabled list. 

MEDICAL WATCH: RHP Roy Oswalt (left hip adductor strain) left his June 30 start after six innings. 

A forgettable first half of the season will come to a close for the Astros this weekend. 

Lance Berkman believes the Houston Astros could be in for a long season if they don't start moving up in the standings now. 

Lance Berkman is absolutely mashing this year, so much so that he won the fan vote to start as the NL first baseman over sluggers like Albert Pujols, Derrek Lee, Ryan Howard, Adrian Gonzalez and Prince Fielder. 

--OF Michael Bourn broke an 0-for-19 slump by getting two hits. 

MEDICAL WATCH: 2B Kaz Matsui (sore right hamstring) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to June 23. 

Geoff Blum made his first start of the season at shortstop and socked a three-run homer in the first inning Wednesday.