ASTROS NEWS AND LINKS

Quintero dons new head protection
(Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:50:00 EDT)
After he was hit in the head by a bat on July 1, Humberto Quintero now wears a hockey-style mask like the one worn by teammate Brad Ausmus behind the plate.

Majewski, Sadler power Express
(Thu, 24 Jul 2008 23:41:00 EDT)
Val Majewski and Ray Sadler each homered twice and combined to drive in nine runs in Round Rock's 16-1 rout of the Fresno Grizzlies on Thursday.

Moehler's slow start sinks Astros
(Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:54:00 EDT)
The battle of the bats came down to the wire on Wednesday, but the Astros fell, 8-7, to the Pirates. Brian Moehler went just 2 1/3 innings on Wednesday, giving up six runs (five earned) on nine hits.

Batters need to get on the same page
(Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:55:00 EDT)
The Astros have been inconsistent this season, and nowhere is it more apparent than at the plate where their offense hasn't been able to click all at once.

Oswalt feels fine during session
(Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:47:00 EDT)
Astros right-hander Roy Oswalt threw his first bullpen session since going on the 15-day disabled list before Wednesday's game, throwing between 40-50 pitches.

Moehler surprising Astros this season
(Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:23:00 EDT)
The most solid pitcher for the Astros this season is one most would not have expected in April. Heading into Wednesday's start, Brian Moehler was 5-4 with a 4.03 ERA, with a 3.13 ERA in his past six starts since June 18.

Astros add veteran Wolf to rotation
(Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:36:00 EDT)
The Astros acquired left-handed pitcher Randy Wolf from the Padres in exchange for Minor League right-hander Chad Reinecke on Tuesday. Wolf, a veteran in his 10th season, was 6-10 with a 4.74 ERA in 21 starts for San Diego this season.

Seven-run ninth spells Astros' doom
(Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:30:00 EDT)
Jose Valverde gave up two home runs and six of seven runs in the ninth inning as the Astros lost a late lead in a 9-3 defeat against the Pirates on Monday. Carlos Lee had two RBIs, Brad Ausmus had an RBI double, and Kazuo Matsui was 3-for-5.

Houston hunting to gain ground
(Tue, 22 Jul 2008 02:15:00 EDT)
In order for the Astros to remain competitive down the stretch, their goal is simple: win as many series as possible from teams with better records.

Triple-A Cassel to start Tuesday
(Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:06:00 EDT)
Following Monday's game, the Astros announced right-hander Jack Cassel would be recalled from Triple-A Round Rock to start Tuesday's game against the Pirates.

Oswalt won't throw this week
(Mon, 21 Jul 2008 21:18:00 EDT)
Right-hander Roy Oswalt, on the disabled list with a strain left hip abductor, will rest his arm for the next week, then throw again on July 28. However, catcher Humberto Quintero (concussion) could return to the lineup as soon as Tuesday.

Bourn back at bat against Pirates
(Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:51:00 EDT)
The Astros' lineup went through yet another change on Monday as Michael Bourn returned to the batting order. Bourn, who has not started since July 11 at Washington, batted second against the Pirates.

Redus drills Astros on baserunning
(Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:11:00 EDT)
The Astros received special instruction from outfield and baserunning coordinator Gary Redus on Monday, as they attempt to regain the productivity on the basepaths they had at the beginning of the season, but has recently fallen off.

Astros drop finale to Cubs
(Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EDT)
Despite striking out eight and walking none, Brandon Backe took the loss in a 9-0 defeat to the Cubs on Sunday, after allowing four runs on eight hits.

Tejada on post-break upswing
(Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:55:00 EDT)
Slumping into the break, Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada has used a stellar Midsummer Classic performance to get off to a fast start in the second half.

Matsui comfortable leading off
(Sun, 20 Jul 2008 14:25:00 EDT)
Coming bout of the break, Astros manager Cecil Cooper inserted Kazuo Matsui atop his lineup, feeling that the second baseman is healthy enough set the tone for the offense.

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