After a 19-game winless streak between their first and second Grapefruit League victories, the Astros improved dramatically and looked like a legit major league club by going on a seven-game winning streak. 

After a 19-game winless streak between their first and second Grapefruit League victories, the Astros improved dramatically and looked like a legit major league club by going on a seven-game winning streak. 

--Astros manager Cecil Cooper, whose club opened a three-game series against Tony La Russa's St. 

With a farm system void of quality pitching prospects and lacking in depth, the Astros claimed right-hander Wilton Lopez on waivers from the San Diego Padres. 

--Astros manager Cecil Cooper, whose club opened a three-game series against Tony La Russa's St. 

With a farm system void of quality pitching prospects and lacking in depth, the Astros claimed right-hander Wilton Lopez on waivers from the San Diego Padres. 

Roy Oswalt has been successful pitching against the St. 

Roy Oswalt has been successful pitching against the St. 

Cardinals reliever Kyle McClellan got up in the bullpen Friday night to throw what he thought would be a side session. 

Astros update 

The Houston Astros claimed right-hander Wilton Lopez off waivers from the San Diego Padres on Friday and transferred infielder Aaron Boone to the 60-day disabled list. 

ROUND ROCK - After more than six weeks of spring training and a couple of exhibition games against Double-A competition, the Round Rock Express are ready to play ball. 

Houston vs. 

--After playing host to one of their biggest rivals and losing two of three against the Chicago Cubs, the Astros' second series of the season is against another top division foe, the St. 

After a 19-game winless streak between their first and second Grapefruit League victories, the Astros improved dramatically and looked like a legit major league club by going on a seven-game winning streak.