Roy Oswalt News

Houston Astros' Roy Oswalt delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Washington Nationals during a baseball game in Houston, Friday, July 10, 2009.

Upset at being removed from the game after only three innings, Astros right-hander Russ Ortiz stood by his locker following Thursday's 9-4 win over the Washington Nationals and questioned why manager Cecil Cooper doesn't have more confidence in him.

It was no surprise that the early-season struggles the Astros suffered through coincided with a lack of production from Lance Berkman.

Randy Johnson is discovering all kinds of career firsts in his 22nd major league season, and not all of them are happy.

Astros righthander Doug Brocail, on the disabled list with a torn left hamstring, threw a bullpen session in front of Astros pitching coach Dewey Robinson for the first time since landing on the DL on May 4. "This is just the first time we've seen him off the mound," Robinson said.

Roy Oswalt saved the whole trip to San Francisco with one of his best outings of the year Sunday.

Roy Oswalt and Randy Johnson will have a tough time duplicating the magnificent performance from Tim Lincecum on Saturday when the two starters face off this afternoon in the finale of the three-game set between the Houston Astros and San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park.

Roy Oswalt 's complete-game three-hitter on Monday drew rave reviews in both clubhouses.

Moehler and two relievers held San Diego to five hits. San Diego has lost 11 of its last 16 home games, and seven of eight against the Astros dating to last season.

TODAY: Astros' Felipe Paulino vs. Giants' Ryan Sadowski , 7:15 p.m. TV: Chs. 11, 31.

Could he be teamed up with Mark Loretta and Brad Ausmus again? Browse more photos>> Last night, I took the chance to listen to the Jayson Stark interview on ESPN radio yesterday afternoon.

At 36-38 and only two games out of last place in the N.L. Central, the Houston Astros don't exactly seem like a team destined for that long-elusive World Series championship... by Richard Zowie 27 reads Opinion At 36-38 and only two games out of last place in the N.L. Central, the Houston Astros don't exactly seem like a team destined for that ...

I got a request yesterday to add some trivia into the a.m. report. Always one to oblige here's some trivia based on the Astros' win last night .

Sunday: Tigers 4, Astros 3. Record: 35-38. Today: At San Diego, 9:05 p.m. Pitchers: Roy Oswalt vs.

Roy Oswalt has enjoyed success throughout his career against the San Diego Padres and will take the mound tonight for the Houston Astros in the opener of a four-game series at Petco Park.

Bud Norris, shown during spring training, leads the Pacific Coast League in ERA and was recently named pitcher of the week.

Tuesday: Royals 2, Astros 1. Record: 32-36. Today: Royals at Minute Maid Park, 7:05 p.m. Pitchers: Roy Oswalt at Luke Hochevar .

Recent first overall draft pick Luke Hochevar tries for a third win in four June starts tonight when the Kansas City Royals visit the Houston Astros in the second of three interleague games at Minute Maid Park.

Felipe Paulino is close to being ready to retake the mound, and the timing couldn't be better.

First, Astros fans, the bad news. The Astros have lost three of their last four games, four of their last seven and they're stuck at the bottom of the National League Central Division.