More news - none of it really bad - on the injury front:
Matsui again did not start, meaning he has missed five of the Astros' 12 games this season, but did enter yesterday's game in the 8th. Depending on how he feels this morning, Matsui could be back in the lineup tonight.
“I feel fine. I want to start (today).”
Jeff Keppinger will likely avoid the DL, even though he has missed three straight game.
Doug Brocail threw yesterday, and is on schedule to rejoin the team when he comes off the DL next Sunday.
“It (his shoulder) bounced back quicker than I was hoping, quicker than I expected. I don’t think a rehab (stint) will be necessary. After (today’s) outing, I’ll throw all my pitches and then have maybe two days off and then do like (Brandon) Backe did (in a simulated game on Saturday) and then get their input.”
That was a lot of parentheses.
And Felipe Paulino could be in the rotation for a while longer. Brian Moehler will throw a bullpen session tomorrow - the first time he'll throw since the Pirates game. One more session and then the rehab starts begin - which JJO indicated could be more than one:
Moehler might need to make a few starts on a rehab assignment, considering he hasn’t lasted longer than 2.1 innings in a start this season.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
