ASTROS NEWS AND LINKS

Moehler hit hard in Astros loss to Braves
(Fri, 04 Jul 2008 22:09:00 EDT)
After losing to the Braves at Turner Field, 6-2, the Astros swapped places with Cincinnati and took over last place in the National League Central. The Astros offense sputtered against Braves righty Tim Hudson and Brian Moehler allowed five earned runs.

Astros could extend Bourn's breather
(Fri, 04 Jul 2008 19:34:00 EDT)
The Astros were facing Tim Hudson -- a right-hander -- on Friday, which made it curious that Michael Bourn, who sometimes sits against left-handers, was not in the lineup. Turns out, manager Cecil Cooper wants to give Bourn a breather.

Astros mark Tuesday for Matsui, Oswalt
(Fri, 04 Jul 2008 19:41:00 EDT)
Tuesday could see the return of two key players for the Astros -- second baseman Kazuo Matsui, recovering from the right hamstring strain that has sidelined him since June 23, and Roy Oswalt, who will miss his scheduled start Saturday while continuing to recover from a left hip abductor strain.

Astros shut down by Billingsley
(Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:39:00 EDT)
Brandon Backe battled through 6 2/3 innings, allowing five runs and striking out eight in a 5-2 loss to the Dodgers on Thursday. J.R. Towles' fifth-inning double scored both Astros runs.

Pence fluctuates in average, lineup
(Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:34:00 EDT)
Hunter Pence's performance at the plate this season has been as erratic as his place in the Astros' lineup, where he seems not to have a set spot in the batting order.

Oswalt to miss start on Saturday
(Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:35:00 EDT)
Right-hander Roy Oswalt, recovering from a hip abductor strain, will not make his scheduled start on Saturday, and instead start Tuesday. In his place, right hander Chris Sampson will make his spot-start.

Astros prospects honored for June
(Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:41:00 EDT)
The Astros Minor League awards for Pitcher of the Month and Offensive and Defensive Players of the Month were announced on Wednesday for all levels of their farm system. Dave Borkowski, David Newhan, and Ray Sadler picked up the accolades at Triple-A Round Rock.

Hernandez hit hard in loss to Dodgers
(Thu, 03 Jul 2008 01:44:00 EDT)
Runelvys Hernandez's second start for the Astros proved a struggle, as the right-hander gave up six hits and four runs in five innings in a 4-1 loss to the Dodgers.

Towles eyes redemption in return to bigs
(Thu, 03 Jul 2008 01:59:00 EDT)
There are probably better circumstances under which J.R. Towles could have returned to the Astros' lineup. But the catcher is back in the big leagues after Humberto Quintero was placed on the disabled Tuesday with a concussion.

Borkowski recalled by Houston
(Wed, 02 Jul 2008 20:41:00 EDT)
Dave Borkowski may not have enjoyed being sent down to Triple-A Round Rock on May 27, but the assignment helped his pitching enough for the right-hander's contract to be purchased by the Astros on Wednesday.

Astros designate Villarreal for assignment
(Wed, 02 Jul 2008 20:52:00 EDT)
The Astros on Wednesday designated reliever Oscar Villarreal for assignment and recalled right-hander Dave Borkowski from Triple-A Round Rock.

Berkman wants Lee in HR Derby
(Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:49:00 EDT)
It seems Lance Berkman isn't the only Astro to participate in the Home Run Derby on July 14 in New York City. The Astros' first baseman wants his teammates to join him, so much so that he has offered a challenge to left fielder Carlos Lee.

Quintero feeling better after concussion
(Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:24:00 EDT)
Aside from grogginess and a nasty headache, catcher Humberto Quintero is feeling better a day after he was hit in the helmet by a bat.

Astros' late rally not enough
(Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:04:00 EDT)
The Astros lost to the Dodgers, 7-6, on Tuesday in 11 innings after overcoming an early five-run deficit.

Wright making his mark with Astros
(Wed, 02 Jul 2008 02:30:00 EDT)
Compared to other Houston tossers, Wesley Wright may look more like a high school senior than a Major League pitcher. Yet the 23-year-old has appeared in 40 games with 28 strikeouts and 25 hits, allowing just 17 earned runs.

Report: Berkman to take part in Derby
(Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:42:00 EDT)
Astros first baseman Lance Berkman announced on Tuesday that he will participate in the State Farm Home Run Derby at the 2008 All-Star Game in New York City.

Quintero sent to 15-day DL
(Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:45:00 EDT)
Astros catcher Humberto Quintero came out of Tuesday's game in the second inning after Dodger shortstop Luis Maza's bat hit him in the head.

Oswalt's hip feeling better
(Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:41:00 EDT)
Astros manager Cecil Cooper had a big smile on his face when he heard Roy Oswalt's hip felt better a day after the ace came off the mound with an injury.

Union files grievance over Chacon
(Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:50:00 EDT)
The Players Association filed a grievance Tuesday over the release of pitcher Shawn Chacon, saying the team's decision to terminate his contract was without just cause.

Cooper: 'It's time to play baseball now'
(Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:36:00 EDT)
The Astros have 12 more days until the All-Star Break, and while manager Cecil Cooper knows his position players are probably tired, he said he has little choice but to keep working them all until July 14.

Sampson unexpected hero in win
(Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:33:00 EDT)
Chris Sampson delivered 1 2/3 scoreless frames in relief of injured starter Roy Oswalt, as the Astros topped the Dodgers, 4-1, and won for the seventh time in 10 games on Monday.

Oswalt day-to-day with hip injury
(Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:42:00 EDT)
Astros starting pitcher Roy Oswalt walked off the mound due to a left hip abductor strain after making his warmup tosses prior to the seventh inning on Monday in a 4-1 win against the Dodgers.

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