Alberto Arias News

Over the last several days, I've taken a few questions about Astros playing Winter Ball.

Houston Astros ace Roy Oswalt will visit orthopedic surgeon Dr. Andrew Dossett in Dallas on Thursday to get a second opinion on his sore back.

I ascribe a good deal of significance to the last time Cecil Cooper stepped onto the field as Astros manager.

Aaron Cook finally feels like he's part of a pennant race. Colorado's ace right-hander learned Tuesday that he'll return to the mound Friday night against St.

Houston Astros ace Roy Oswalt will visit orthopedic surgeon Dr. Andrew Dossett in Dallas on Thursday to get a second opinion on his sore back.

Astros first baseman Lance Berkman was out of the starting lineup for the second consecutive day with back problems.

The Astros, like a famous explorer, will head to Florida this spring seeking to turn back the calendar, beginning with the rotation Sept.

When/where: 6:10 p.m. today, Tuesday and Wednesday, Great American Ball Park. TV/radio: All games on FSH, 740 AM and 1010 AM .

"It's just the middle of my back," he said. "It's either a spasm of some kind or a tweaked muscle." Berkman's back locked up on him after Monday night's loss to Cincinnati .

ON DECK: PITTSBURGH at Astros When/where: 7:05 p.m. today, 6:05 p.m. Saturday, 1:05 p.m. Sunday; Minute Maid Park.

Five months after open-heart surgery, third baseman Aaron Boone rejoined the Houston Astros.

The Astros opened a six-game road trip through Arizona and Chicago on a sour note Friday night, dropping a 14-7 decision to the D-backs at Chase Field.

The Astros opened a six-game road trip through Arizona and Chicago on a sour note Friday night, dropping a 14-7 decision to the D-backs at Chase Field.

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The Houston Astros placed reliever Alberto Arias on the 15-day disabled list Friday, retroactive to August 24, with a strained right hamstring.

Valverde welcomed the respite. "It would be good," Valverde said when asked if he could use a break.

Valverde welcomed the respite. "It would be good," Valverde said when asked if he could use a break.

Despite spending 17 days on the disabled list, Sampson is leading the Astros' relievers in appearances and innings.

Marlins 9, Astros 8, 11 innings : Florida trailed 7-2 at one point, but showed the never-say-die attitude that only an announced crowd of 13,212 can instill.A Wesley Wright walked three batters to set up Dan Uggla's bases-loaded game-winner off Alberto Arias.

Dan Uggla lined a two-out single into left field with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 11th to extend the Marlins' win streak to five via a 9-8 triumph over the Astros.