"The Astros will play just six interleague road games this year, a departure from the more common nine, but you can bet that Carlos Lee will be at the forefront of their designated hitter plans.

Brad Mills said on the eve of the interleague opener at Toronto that the big left fielder would see time at designated hitter during the three-game set. They will also play three games at designated rival Texas but lose their third road interleague set when they play at the Dodgers an extra time because of the two extra National League teams.

"Any time that you get to interleague play and get the opportunities to get the guys some more at-bats is big," Mills said. "Get some guys some playing time and to have Carlos DH is really nice for when we start playing National League games again and having those guys have at-bats under their belt."

Mills expects Brian Bogusevic to get at least one start and Jason Michaels could get another. If the Astros go on strictly lefty-righty matchups, Michaels could face lefty Jo-Jo Reyes Friday and Bogusevic could play the weekend against Brandon Morrow and Kyle Drabek."