The Astros split a six-game homestand this week by letting three tight games slip through their collective grasps. The Astros had great pitching throughout the entire week. Russ Ortiz pitched great twice with absolutely nothing to show for it. Roy Oswalt turned in another good outing and Wandy Rodriguez battled through a rough start to earn a no decision. If the Astros would have banged out a couple of clutch hits, they could have easily swept the entire homestand.

The week started by losing two out of three to the Kansas City Royals. Zack Greinke was as good as advertised, outdueling Ortiz, 2-1. The Astros had an opportunity to win in the ninth but stranded two runners on base, striking out twice. The next night, Jose Valverde blew a one run lead with an unearned in the ninth before the Royals held on in the 11th for the win. The series was a small look at the Astros' season to date. Starting pitching was good, only to be let down by the inability to hold a lead or get a timely hit.

The series against Detroit over the weekend did show how well the Astros can play. Friday night’s win featured a good outing from Wandy Rodriguez and some clutch hitting. The Astros did a good job of being patient (something that has been lacking up to this point) and drawing several walks over the last two innings to come back from a 4-0 deficit. Felipe Paulino dominated the Tigers for seven innings the next night to clinch the series win. The great pitching by the Astros’ staff this week was fun to watch. With Oswalt pitching like he is capable, the rotation seems to be coming around.

The team will also regain the services of Mike Hampton this week, who was pitching well when he was placed on the disabled list. His return would normally mean a decision would need to be made regarding the rotation. Instead, they made a great move and have decided to use a six-man rotation until the All-Star Break. With everyone throwing as well as they are, it is hard to argue against the decision and it is even more difficult to pull one of them out. The extra rest will give everyone some down time going into the break and even keep them a little fresher for the next few turns. I was concerned they would move either Ortiz or Paulino to the bullpen. Whether the move was made by Cecil Cooper or Ed Wade, it is a great move.

The Astros also designated Brandon Backe for assignment this week. Backe had pitched poorly in his outings this season, there is no argument there. I don't feel that he got the treatment he deserved. Brandon had been told he would have a job when he completed his five rehab starts in the minors. The Astros added an extra start to that stint and placed him in the bullpen when he was activated, a role he was not used to filling. Backe was disappointed that the Astros designated him and it is understandable. Still, baseball is a business and should be treated as such. If one doesn't perform, he will find himself looking for employment elsewhere.

The Astros remain just four games out of first place in the Central Division, three games out on the all-important loss side. This week is another chance to make a move in the standings. While everyone in the division has struggled this month, Houston has been the best with a 15-10 June record. The division race remains wide-open and is the closest in all of baseball. Nobody seems to have the dominant pitching right now to run away with the division. The Astros have four series left before the Break, three of which are against sub .500 teams. This includes a four game series against the 22-51 Washington Nationals, not including the conclusion of the suspended game from May. These next two weeks are crucial for the Astros to get back about .500.

Player of the Week: For the second time this season, Russ Ortiz gains Player of the Week honors. Ortiz didn’t have a win in his two starts, but pitched better than anyone else. In two starts, he pitched 14.1 innings allowing 11 hits, 4 runs (all earned), walking 2 and striking out 9. Ortiz hasn't enjoyed this kind of success in years and his resurgence has been great to watch.

Roster Moves and Injuries: Geoff Blum returned to the lineup Sunday at third base, sending Edwin Maysonet back to AAA Round Rock. Felipe Paulino's activation caused Backe to be DFA'd. Mike Hampton will return to the rotation on Tuesday, which will likely send Wesley Wright back to Round Rock as well.

On Deck: The team will fly to the West Coast to start a four-game series with the San Diego Padres (33-41) on Monday. The second half of the seven-game trip is in San Francisco for a weekend set with the Giants (40-34).

Read the Archives