Roy Oswalt News: Pro Sports Daily

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September 24

Houston Chronicle

"Astros physician Dr. David Lintner conducted the surgery to remove the bone that had been causing inflammation in a tendon. According to the Astros, Arias was expected to be up and walking on Wednesday night. The righthander finished the season 2-1 with a 3.35 ERA over 42 relief appearances. Seeing red Contrary to ads that ran in multiple Spanish stations in Houston for nearly a month, the Astros will not play the Red Sox this weekend. They are actually playing the Cincinnati Reds, or Rojos de Cincinnati, not the Medias Rojas (Red Sox). Although Astros president of business operations Pam Gardner and vice president of communication Jay Lucas learned of the advertisements last week — and in ..."

Oswalt to see back specialist

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September 23

Houston Chronicle

"Roy Oswalt, who was shut down last Wednesday because of a dehydrated disk, will a get a second opinion on the bulging disk in his back Thursday with Dr. Andrew Dossett at the Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas. "I'm going to try to find somebody who specializes in back disks," Oswalt said. Local back specialist Dr. Mike McCann, who works with the Astros, diagnosed Oswalt with a bulging disk and inflammation of a joint in his lower back earlier this month. "I don't know if you'd call it arthritic changes or just the changes in his back," general manager Ed Wade said. "He's just going to go see. I don't think he's looking for a contrary position but just more information. Dr. (David) Lintner ..."

It's a no-go for Roy-O for rest of the year

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September 17

Houston Chronicle

"Astros righthander Roy Oswalt, who has been pitching with a degenerative disk in his back, has been shut down for the season one day after he aggravated the injury he has dealt with for his last four starts. "It just ain't going away," Oswalt said. "I've pitched with it for (four) starts, and it's just not getting any better. It's just kind of lingering more and more. If we were in contention fighting for the playoffs, I would probably get up and just try to block it and ride it as long as I could. But I don't want it to linger on for next year." Feeling some numbness in his left leg caused by what is sometimes described as a dehydrated disc, Oswalt accepted the decision after meeting ..."

Valverde on the mend, Oswalt to pitch

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September 15

Houston Chronicle

"Closer Jose Valverde, who was kept away from teammates Sunday, stayed behind in Houston on Monday with a high fever while the Astros began a three-game series in Cincinnatti. "I feel a little bit better," Valverde told the Chronicle via phone. "The medicine is working a bit. We'll wait to see how I feel (today). If I feel better, I'll go to Cincinnati (for the second game). If not we'll see what happens. Although the Astros are awaiting the results from the blood work done on Valverde, strep throat has been ruled out, according to general manager Ed Wade. Astros trainer Nate Lucero was quick to try to contain Valverde's illness from spreading throughout the Astros' clubhouse."

Oswalt on track to make next start

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September 14

Houston Chronicle

"Cecil Cooper said Roy Oswalt is still on track to start in his usual spot in the Astros' rotation. "He's going to go on Tuesday," Cooper said. "We'll have a backup plan, but that's the day he's going to go." Oswalt, however, sounded less sure that he'll still be option A come Tuesday. "I'll see if I can start Tuesday," he said. Asked if he had a good feeling about that possibility, Oswalt said only, "I'll try." Oswalt complained of back spasms after throwing just two innings Thursday and had a light workout Friday, just playing catch with bullpen catcher Javier Bracamonte, and says he still feels some soreness. "I feel it here and there, but no big deal," he said. No need to push it Bud ..."

Braves make quick work of Oswalt in 9-7 win

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September 11

Houston Chronicle

"For two innings Thursday night at Minute Maid Park, Roy Oswalt kept firing pitches with little success. The Astros' veteran righthander tried to will his way past the Atlanta Braves, yet he was clearly out of sync one start after exiting with back tightness. The Astros made it somewhat interesting late, but they couldn't overcome the blows Oswalt suffered in the first two innings on a night the 9-7 loss ended with Miguel Tejada's becoming the first player in franchise history to hit into three double plays in one game. Although they didn't get a quality start from Derek Lowe, the Braves held on before a subdued crowd of 26,552. "I wish I could do better than I did today," said Tejada, ..."

Oswalt doesn't expect to miss next start

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September 6

MLB.com

"Astros starter Roy Oswalt said he doesn't think he'll miss his next scheduled start after leaving Saturday's game against the Phillies with tightness in his back. Oswalt pitched 6 1/3 innings and gave up four hits and two runs while tying a season high with eight strikeouts before his back got the best of him. He collected his 15th no-decision, which ties an Astros single-season record, but the Astros went on to a 5-4 win. "We thought it would be best to be careful and not take any chances," Houston manager Cecil Cooper said of pulling Oswalt. "He didn't get the win, but he pitched real well -- really good, as a matter of fact -- probably as good as last time out, considering the lineup he ..."

Astros snap losing streak with 5-3 win over Cubs

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September 1

Houston Chronicle

"For the first time since declaring the Astros were playing without fire, Roy Oswalt took the mound Monday night and let his right arm talk for him. Oswalt led in the only way it matters, pitching seven strong innings to beat the Chicago Cubs 5-3 with the help of Carlos Lee's four RBIs before a crowd of 36,990 at Wrigley Field. "He was as good as he's been all year," manager Cecil Cooper said of Oswalt. "If you can give him some run support, then he's got a good chance." Oswalt's teammates backed him on defense as well. Michael Bourn made diving and sprinting catches in center field, and shortstop Miguel Tejada hustled his way to a sensational grab in foul territory. Slugger likes Wrigley ..."

Oswalt's remarks prompt team meeting

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August 28

Houston Chronicle

"Less than 13 hours after Roy Oswalt said the atmosphere in the Astros' clubhouse was dead, Lance Berkman called a players-only meeting Thursday morning at Busch Stadium to address the club's demeanor. Berkman and Oswalt addressed their teammates, and their words appeared to be appreciated even though manager Cecil Cooper and general manager Ed Wade disagreed with Oswalt's assertion that "there's no fire" in the Astros, who beat St. Louis 4-3 on Thursday. "I don't like to talk about players-only meetings in the media, but it was good," Berkman said. "You never like to have too many of those kinds of things. I just think that communication is really important." After the Astros lost 3-2 ..."

Oswalt, Keppinger lead Astros past D-Backs 1-0

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August 22

Houston Chronicle

"To Roy Oswalt, this was feeling like another summer rerun, and naturally, he did what most would do ¯ turn the TV off. The righty with more no-decisions than a campaigning politician left with the Astros clinging to a 1-0 lead, and he couldn't bear to watch. So when a crowd of 30,032 at Minute Maid Park saw Jose Valverde finish off the Astros' 1-0 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, Oswalt had no idea. "I didn't even watch it; I don't even know how we got the last six outs," Oswalt said. "The way I was going this season, I didn't want to jinx it, so I turned the TV off." When Oswalt was on the mound, though, it was Emmy-quality entertainment. A weak offensive attack afforded Oswalt no ..."

Five-run lead not enough for Oswalt

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August 12

Houston Chronicle

"When the game was on the line, he had made the pitches he wanted to make. Afterward, that was the thing Roy Oswalt kept coming back to. "I don't know what else to do," he said. Oswalt got the fastball to Hanley Ramirez where he wanted it. Ramirez lofted a lazy fly ball to right. It landed just out of Hunter Pence's reach. Oswalt then threw Jorge Cantu a nice slider. Once more, he'd done his job. Or at least thought he had. For an instant, Oswalt believed he might have gotten the double-play ball he'd hoped to get. Except that shortstop Miguel Tejada knocked the ball down and was unable to make the play. And that's when the game began to get away. Even with a five-run lead and their ace on ..."

Oswalt, Wandy set to return to rotation

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August 8

MLB.com

"Roy Oswalt is scheduled to return to the rotation Tuesday in Miami against the Marlins, and left-hander Wandy Rodriguez will pitch Sunday's series finale against the Brewers. And general manager Ed Wade couldn't be more pleased. Oswalt, Rodriguez and reliever LaTroy Hawkins each had positive results after throwing in the bullpen prior to Friday's game against Milwaukee. Oswalt hasn't pitched since July 28 because of a lower back strain, and Rodriguez suffered a strained right hamstring Saturday in St. Louis. Hawkins, who has been on the disabled list since July 28 with shingles, appears on target to come off the disabled list Wednesday. "Roy felt very good today and will throw again Sunday ..."

Oswalt improving

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August 6

Houston Chronicle

"Oswalt targets next week Astros righthander Roy Oswalt, who hasn't started since July 28 because of a left lower back strain, continues to make slight improvement. But he's no longer a candidate to start this weekend. If he continues improving, a return to the rotation Monday or Tuesday will be likely. "Compared to two days ago, I feel a lot better," he said. "I'm more (encouraged) than I was two days ago, big improvement." Oswalt threw between 40-50 pitches in a flat-ground throwing session Wednesday. "Maybe I can go Monday or Tuesday, depending on Wandy (Rodriguez)," Oswalt said. "So I'll just wait to see how the bullpen goes Friday. "I want to throw 100 percent to see where I'm at." No ..."

Oswalt, Rodriguez feeling much better

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August 5

MLB.com

"While Roy Oswalt and Wandy Rodriguez, the lynchpins of the Astros' starting rotation, are closer to returning to the rotation, first baseman Lance Berkman will likely be out through the weekend series against Milwaukee. Oswalt, who left his July 28 start at Chicago after 1 2/3 innings with a strained left lower back, is eyeing a possible return to the rotation Monday or Tuesday after throwing 40 to 50 pitches on flat ground in the Minute Maid Park outfield Wednesday. He will throw in the bullpen Friday, but said he noticed marked improvement from his Monday bullpen session. "Compared to the other day, I feel a lot better," he said. "Yesterday was good and today was good. I'm going to try ..."

Oswalt flirts with DL, Norris gets nod

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August 1

Houston Chronicle

"In discomfort, Roy Oswalt lied awkwardly on his back on the floor while bracing himself against his locker stall at Busch Stadium. He has been skipped from his scheduled Sunday start in favor of rookie Bud Norris, and the club will wait until Monday to decide if Oswalt must go on the disabled list or be penciled in to start Tuesday. "If I go on the DL, I'll only miss two starts," Oswalt said. "They're probably going to need to have somebody start Tuesday for Russ (Ortiz, who was released). I can get around pretty well. I can do 90 percent of the jobs in America. The other 10 percent that include my job I can't do." Oswalt got an injection for his irritated disk Wednesday after suffering a ..."

From oh no to oh yeah

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July 29

Houston Chronicle

"It was just the second inning Tuesday night at Wrigley Field, and Roy Oswalt already was on his way out with a lower left back strain. Later in the evening, Wesley Wright, who relieved the Astros' ace, was rushed to a local hospital to check for a possible appendicitis. Still, the Astros had enough on a night Miguel Tejada drove in five runs to beat the Chicago Cubs 11-6 before a crowd of 40,814. One night after needing five-plus innings of relief before suffering a crushing 5-1 loss in 13 innings, the Astros got 71/3 innings out of their bullpen in outlasting the Cubs. "Having Roy hurt is something that nobody would like to hear or see," Tejada said after going 2-for-4 with a home run. ..."

Oswalt steps up ?to down Dodgers

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July 18

Houston Chronicle

"By the time Roy Oswalt took the Dodger Stadium mound Friday night, the Astros righthander had taken his first at-bat. And that is always a great sign for a starting pitcher. A marvelous curveball, changeup and fastball also helped Oswalt shine. Although Oswalt didn't need much help while dominating a Los Angeles Dodgers club with the best record in baseball, he got plenty of support in the complete-game 8-1 victory. "Starting 2-0 in the second half is always good," said Ivan Rodriguez, who was 4-for-5 with a home run and two RBIs. "Once again, Roy was unbelievable. All his pitches were unbelievable. His fastball was exploding big time." Oswalt's third complete game of the season would ..."

Oswalt shines again as Astros shut down Giants

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July 6

Houston Chronicle

"When Roy Oswalt began studying video of past years, he saw the difference immediately. His release point was too early, his stride too short. Two things were happening, both bad. Hitters had a split second longer to pick up his pitches, and he didn't have his usual command. Identifying the problem proved to be easier than fixing it. Thus began a search for something small and vital that could prove critical to the Astros in the weeks ahead. Something clicked for Oswalt two weeks ago, something that got his command and stride back to normal. And he was as good as ever Sunday as the Astros beat up on Randy Johnson en route to a 7-1 win over the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park. "It feels ..."

Astros push Oswalt start to Saturday

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June 11

MLB.com

"The bullpen session performed by Astros right-hander Roy Oswalt on Wednesday afternoon at Minute Maid Park was anything but routine, with manager Cecil Cooper and pitching coach Dewey Robinson watching closely from behind the mound. The Astros revealed a few minutes later Oswalt would be given an extra two days of rest before he makes his next start because of what he said was a sore right wrist. Oswalt (2-3, 4.66 ERA) will make a start Saturday in Arizona against the Diamondbacks. "It's not a big deal," Oswalt said. "I just need a few extra days." Oswalt, who was originally scheduled to pitch in Thursday's series finale against the Chicago Cubs, was rocked for nine hits and six runs in ..."

Oswalt's?stuff goes?AWOL

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June 7

Houston Chronicle

"Counting postseason games, Roy Oswalt had made 260 starts as an Astros pitcher coming into Saturday night. He'd made 13 relief appearances. He'd been in 84 games in the minors. And he'd taken the mounds of rural Mississippi on countless occasions as a youth. So his admission shortly after he gave up back-to-back three-run innings in the Astros' 6-4 loss to the Pirates Saturday was not one to be taken lightly. "Probably the most out of place I've felt ever on a mound in the second and third innings," Oswalt said. "I couldn't throw the ball anywhere I wanted to," he added. "I was scared to throw the breaking ball because I couldn't throw the fastball anywhere I wanted to." After a nine-pitch ..."

Oswalt makes statement in win

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June 2

Houston Chronicle

"For the past few days, Carlos Lee approached Roy Oswalt and jokingly told the Astros' ace that their careers were over. Lee, the Astros' $100 million man, was going through the worst two weeks of his career, and Oswalt was struggling too before delivering a dominant performance Monday night at Minute Maid Park. Showing the talent that gave the Astros reason for optimism heading into the 2009 season, Oswalt, Lee and Lance Berkman were back in vintage form in a 4-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies. Oswalt threw seven strong innings, and the cornerstones of the Astros' offense — Berkman and Lee — each drove in two runs. "That was very important to see," said Miguel Tejada, who was 2-for-4 ..."

A nice pause in season of discontent

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June 2

Houston Chronicle

columnist Jerome Solomon

"A fan walked up to the box office before the Astros-Rockies game Monday night and bought a ticket for $7. He has tried that before, but the cheaper-than-a-beer seats are never available at the last minute. Welcome to the summer of 2009. There hasn't been much fun had at Minute Maid Park this season. That, as much as the economy, is why a mere 24,016 — the second-smallest crowd at Minute Maid this season, and second-smallest over the last four years — showed up to watch the last-place Astros take on the last-place Rockies. On this night, though, fans got good value for their investment. It was fun. It was entertaining. It was pretty good baseball. (It was also a little sticky and mosquitoes ..."

Ken Williams: Roy who?

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June 2

Chicago Sun-Times

"White Sox general manager Ken Williams had little to say about the trade talk surrounding Astros right-hander Roy Oswalt. That's because there's nothing to it, Williams said. ''I really prefer not to get into confirming or denying something because you tip your hand, and if you tip your hand, you don't get anything done,'' Williams said Monday. ''But I'll make the exception, so everyone can relax a little bit. I haven't talked to the Houston Astros about any pitching whatsoever.'' Williams was asked about a Houston Chronicle story in which it was assumed that Oswalt would go the Jake Peavy route, using his no-trade clause to block a deal to the Sox. ''You want me to respond to something we ..."

White Sox GM Ken Williams denies interest in Astros' Oswalt

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June 2

Chicago Tribune

"Houston Astros ace Roy Oswalt doesn't want the White Sox? Well, the Sox haven't shown interest in him yet, either. Sox general manager Ken Williams denied he even has inquired about the availability of Oswalt, who is not expected to hit the trade market for another month, if then. But that didn't stop the rumor mill after Williams' special assistant, Bill Scherrer, was spotted during an extended stay in Houston. "He happened to be on his regular tour," Williams said Monday. "I didn't even know he was in Houston." Williams acted surprised when he saw media flocking toward him in the Sox's dugout before the game against Oakland, but he did answer the question. "I prefer not to get into ..."

Report: Oswalt won't consider White Sox

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June 1

Chicago Sun-Times

"Like his offseason hunting buddy, Jake Peavy, Roy Oswalt wants nothing to do with the White Sox. The long-time Astros ace would invoke his no-trade clause should the Sox attempt to acquire him, according to the Houston Chronicle. The newspaper is reporting that while trade discussions have not taken place, Bill Scherrer, a special assistant to General Manager Kenny Williams, has attended the Astros' last two series in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh."

White Sox Following Houston

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May 30

Chicago Tribune

"General manager Ken Williams said he didn't have a Plan B last week after losing out on San Diego all-star pitcher Jake Peavy. But that hasn't stopped Williams from collecting information. Special assistant Bill Scherrer is following Houston, which is in last place in the American League Central. The Sox weren't afraid to take on $63 million if Peavy had accepted a trade. Roy Oswalt, Houston's marquee pitcher, will earn $45 million from 2009-2011, plus a $16 million club option/$2 million buyout. The Sox, however, haven't been trade partners with Houston in past years. A multi-player deal involving Jon Garland after the 2006 season never materialized."

Oswalt to make next scheduled start

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May 7

Houston Chronicle

"Oswalt on schedule Roy Oswalt, who left Tuesday's start in Washington with a bruised right index finger, expects to make his next scheduled start. Oswalt had an X-ray Wednesday that revealed no fracture and verified the initial diagnosis given when the righthander was pulled in the sixth inning at Nationals Park. In line to start Sunday against the San Diego Padres at Minute Maid Park, Oswalt will alter his regular routine between starts. "We'll see how it feels (to-day)," he aid. "I'm not going to throw a bullpen. I might just throw on flat ground. But it should be OK." Boone drops in Infielder Aaron Boone, who was expected to platoon at third this season with Geoff Blum, visited with the ..."

Big Z outshines Roy-O in Astros opener

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April 7

Houston Chronicle

"With his work done Monday night, Carlos Zambrano lifted his powerful right arm and pointed skyward as he neared the visitors' dugout at Minute Maid Park. A chorus of boos serenaded the Chicago Cubs ace as he descended into the dugout, just another minor annoyance Zambrano deflected easily on opening night against the Astros. Zambrano lasted only six-plus innings, but they were impressive innings as he beat the Astros 4-2 before a sellout crowd of 43,827. Alfonso Soriano led off the game with a home run to left-center against Roy Oswalt, and Aramis Ramirez added a leadoff home run into the Crawford Boxes in the second to give Zambrano a 2-0 lead. "Two runs shouldn't beat you," Lance Berkman ..."

Oswalt gets back in camp and back to business

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March 28

Houston Chronicle

"Unlike in his previous three outings, when Roy Oswalt found himself pitching under the bright lights and increased pressure of the World Baseball Classic, things were much more relaxed Friday. National pride was the furthest thing from Oswalt's mind when he took the mound at Osceola County Stadium and pitched in his first game for the Astros in more than a month. Oswalt wasn't at his best, but he was good enough to pick up his first win of the Grapefruit League season. The Astros' ace threw 96 pitches in six innings and gave up 10 hits and three runs while striking out six in the Astros' 6-5 victory over Philadelphia — their seventh win in a row. "It was a little different atmosphere out ..."

Oswalt to square off vs. Dice-K

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March 21

MLB.com

"Team USA manager Davey Johnson named Astros right-hander Roy Oswalt the starter against the Japanese on Sunday night at Dodger Stadium in a World Baseball Classic single-elimination game. Oswalt will face Daisuke Matsuzaka, Japanese manager Tatsunori Hara confirmed on Friday as Japan, the top seed from Pool 1 in San Diego, worked out. If the U.S. wins, Johnson plans to use starter Jake Peavy against the victor of Saturday evening's semifinal between Korea and Venezuela. Hara said he hadn't decided on a Monday pitcher, although his choices are clearly Yu Darvish or Hisashi Iwakuma. Johnson said it was an easy decision to flip-flop his two starters. "It's because of pitch count and where ..."

Oswalt considers WBC honor, duty

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March 2

Houston Chronicle

"As Roy Oswalt stood on the podium to receive his Olympic gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Games , he wondered how many children back home in Mississippi and throughout the country were cheering the accomplishments of Team USA . Going on nine years later, Oswalt has attained stardom in the major leagues . Since reaching the majors in 2001, he has won more games than any other pitcher, played in three All-Star Games, earned a National League Championship Series MVP trophy, and helped lead the the Astros to their first World Series. Yet none of those accomplishments means more to him than the gold medal he won with Team USA. So now he will try to replicate some of those feelings as a member of ..."

Oswalt says steroid users have stained all players

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February 11

Houston Chronicle

"Like his good friend Lance Berkman, Roy Oswalt shares a strong bond with former Astros teammates Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens. Yet although he’ll give Clemens the benefit of the doubt until he’s proven guilty of using performance-enhancing drugs, Oswalt agrees with Berkman that admitted PED users like Alex Rodriguez and Pettitte have stained all baseball players. Oswalt cautions that despite his feelings, he doesn’t harbor ill will against guys like Pettitte, a dear friend and golf partner. “I have nothing against the guys that admitted taking steroids,” he said. “And Roger Clemens has not been proven guilty that he’s used steroids. He’s innocent until proven guilty. Anybody can make ..."

Oswalt willing to redo contract for another arm

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December 11

Houston Chronicle

"Ace righthander Roy Oswalt has been watching the Astros’ moves this winter. He even discussed the team’s budget concerns with general manager Ed Wade and owner Drayton McLane, which is why he’s willing to restructure his contract and backload some money if it means getting another quality starting pitcher. It’s high on the wish list of Oswalt, who was in Las Vegas with good friend Jake Peavy during the first two days of baseball’s winter meetings at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino. “We need another starter,” Oswalt said via phone from Mississippi on Wednesday. If the season started today, Oswalt, Wandy Rodriguez, Mike Hampton and Brian Moehler would comprise 80 percent of the Astros’ ..."

Oswalt dazzles Rox with one-hitter

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September 7

Denver Post

"The weekend began with the general manager lamenting his team's execution. And it ends today with the Rockies trying to avoid the guillotine. If anyone can make a convincing argument for hope, it's Colorado. But the Rockies learned last season that miracle stories have expiration dates. And this fall, it feels like someone checked out the flick at Blockbuster while they were trying to find a parking spot. Saturday's sobering truth: Astros 2, Rockies 0. The loss sank Colorado 5 1/2 games behind the Dodgers, who moved into first place for the first time this season. The Rockies have 19 games remaining. The next three weeks aren't so much a playoff push as Robert the Bruce imploring Scottish ..."

Oswalt hurls 1-hitter as Astros top Rockies 2-0

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September 7

Houston Chronicle

"Astros ace Roy Oswalt is putting together a second half to remember. Oswalt threw the second one-hitter in the history of Coors Field and Hunter Pence hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning to lead the Astros to a 2-0 win Saturday night over the Colorado Rockies. Oswalt (14-9) won for the eighth time in his past nine decisions. He hit two batters, walked two, struck out six and threw 102 pitches (70 strikes). The only hit Oswalt allowed came on a Brad Hawpe roller through the middle to start the fifth inning. Despite the win, the Astros failed to gain ground on the National League wild card- leading Milwaukee Brewers and remain seven games out with 20 games remaining in the season. The ..."

Astros blank Cubs 3-0 to extend win streak to 6

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September 2

Houston Chronicle

"Not even the best team in the National League could cool off the streaking Astros. Roy Oswalt dominated the Chicago Cubs for 81/3 innings before handing the ball to closer Jose Valverde, who polished off the Astros’ sixth consecutive win, 3-0 over the NL Central leaders Monday afternoon. Oswalt (13-9) won for the seventh time in eight starts and combined with Valverde to pitch the Astros’ second consecutive shutout. Valverde’s save was his NL-leading 38th and his fifth in the Astros’ last six games. “Magnificent if you want to choose a word,” Astros manager Cecil Cooper said of Oswalt. “Just an overpowering performance.” Valverde got Derrek Lee to fly out to deep right field for the final ..."

Oswalt lifts spirits with solid outing

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July 29

Houston Chronicle

"With each inning Roy Oswalt threw Monday night, Astros closer Jose Valverde rejoiced. Manager Cecil Cooper and many on the team did, too. Whether the ace righthander understood it, every healthy inning on his part was a boost to his teammates’ psyche. Porter’s Adam Dunn almost ruined Oswalt’s return to the mound at Minute Maid Park with a monstrous grand slam. But Geoff Blum countered with a two-run homer to push the Astros to a 5-4 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. “He’s back,” Cooper, sporting a wide smile, said of Oswalt. Lasting more than one inning for the first time since he strained his left hip abductor on June 30, Oswalt (8-8) limited the damage to Dunn’s slam while giving the ..."

Oswalt set to return tonight

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July 28

Houston Chronicle

"Roy Oswalt will return from the disabled list tonight against the Cincinnati Reds and make his first start since July 11. Oswalt has worked one inning since he strained his left hip June 30. Oswalt returns just in time to face a Reds team he’s dominated. He’s 19-1 with a 2.46 ERA in 24 career games, including 22 starts, against Cincinnati. “I’m confident that (the injury) is gone, but if he does say he feels something, you have to be extremely cautious,” manager Cecil Cooper said. “You don’t want to have a reoccurrence. They’ll watch him real closely in the bullpen when he’s warming up.”"

Oswalt says he will pitch Monday

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July 26

Houston Chronicle

"After throwing about 30 pitches off the Miller Park mound prior to Friday’s game, righthander Roy Oswalt said he’s ready to come off the disabled list and start Monday against Cincinnati. Oswalt, who has been limited to one inning this month because of a left hip strain, threw at 100 percent while facing teammates Hunter Pence and Geoff Blum. “It went pretty well,” Oswalt said. “I felt no pain. Hopefully, I can get out there and get some innings.” Oswalt (7-8, 4.56 ERA) hasn’t pitched since throwing one inning July 11 at Washington when he aggravated a hip injury that initially began hurting him June 30. “It seems like I haven’t pitched in a while,” Oswalt said. “Hopefully, I’ll get out ..."

So far, so good

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July 24

Houston Chronicle

"Roy Oswalt, who is on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hip abductor muscle, threw a bullpen session before Wednesday’s game against Pittsburgh at Minute Maid Park. Oswalt (7-8, 4.56 ERA) threw 40 or 50 pitches, saying he felt good afterward. He will know more when he throws another session before Friday’s game at Milwaukee. “It was pretty much fastballs and changeups,” Oswalt said. “The next time I pitch, it will be everything. It felt good. I didn’t throw 100 percent. I probably threw 75 or 80 percent, and it was pretty good. I’ll know a lot more Friday. I’ll throw 100 percent on Friday and see how it goes.” If all goes well, Oswalt is scheduled to start Monday against ..."

Hip injury sidelines Oswalt

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July 20

Houston Chronicle

"Astros righthander Roy Oswalt was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday with a nagging left hip abductor strain that has limited him to one inning on the mound in July. Oswalt, who originally suffered the injury June 30 and aggravated it by throwing an inning July 11, could return to the rotation July 28. He underwent an MRI on Saturday that confirmed the injury and revealed a small disk protrusion. "It's probably the smart thing to do more than anything," Oswalt, 30, said. "It feels pretty decent right now, but I don't want to go out there and throw one or two innings and make the bullpen pick up the rest of it."

Trip to DL possible for ailing Oswalt

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July 19

Houston Chronicle

"Roy Oswalt tried to put a positive spin on it, but it appears the Astros' ace will land on the disabled list or at least not be able to start on schedule Tuesday because of a left hip abductor strain. Oswalt, who was ordered not to throw during the four-day All-Star break, will throw today for the first time since he exited after one inning on July 11 against the Washington Nationals. Unless he's 100 percent today, Oswalt likely will not start Tuesday."

Patience trumps home remedies for Oswalt

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July 11

Houston Chronicle

"Oswalt insists the cure for his early-season woes might have been nothing more than getting his arm in shape, something which took a little longer than expected. The Astros righthander has thrown more than 210 innings in each of the previous four seasons. Oswalt's mechanics and control were an issue, but just as he appeared to have turned the corner in June he suffered a nagging injury to his left side that forced him to miss a start. But the Astros' ace is pain-free and will return to the mound tonight for the opener of a three-game series at the Washington Nationals."

Oswalt feeling better after bullpen session

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July 9

Houston Chronicle

"Astros pitcher Roy Oswalt threw about 35 pitches in the bullpen at PNC Park on Tuesday afternoon with manager Cecil Cooper and pitching coach Dewey Robinson watching closely. Oswalt said he was pain-free. Oswalt hasn't pitched since June 30 because of a pain in his side, a condition caused by a worn-down disk in his back. He had an injection into the area Saturday and will start Friday in Washington."

Oswalt close to return

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July 8

Houston Chronicle

"Astros pitcher Roy Oswalt said Monday he expects to start Friday against the Washington Nationals. He hasn't started since June 30 when he was diagnosed with a strained left hip muscle. Oswalt said Monday his sciatic nerve is inflamed because he has a worn disk in his back. The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that starts in the lower back and runs through the buttocks and into the lower limbs. Oswalt flew to Houston on Saturday and had a painkilling shot in his back and said Monday he felt "great." He threw off flat ground and will throw a bullpen session today."

Oswalt gets next start pushed back further

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July 6

Houston Chronicle

"Astros righthander Roy Oswalt flew to Houston on Saturday morning to have his ailing left hip examined and will miss his next scheduled start Tuesday. Brandon Backe will start in his place. Oswalt, who left Monday's game with a strained left hip abductor, saw back specialist Dr. Mike McCann in Houston and will rejoin the team today in Atlanta. He will throw off flat ground Monday and throw a bullpen session Tuesday before being re-evaluated."

Oswalt's next start pushed back

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July 4

Houston Chronicle

"After Roy Oswalt gave an honest assessment of his strained left hip abductor during a brief chat with Astros manager Cecil Cooper, Oswalt's next scheduled start was pushed back until Tuesday. Chris Sampson will take Oswalt's turn in the rotation Saturday at Atlanta. "You have to take how they feel and what they're thinking too into consideration," Cooper said. "Then you have to consider the big picture. And the big picture says let's skip one (start.) And if we have to skip two, we skip two. That's the bottom line. His health is the most important thing.""

Oswalt's hip improved

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July 2

Houston Chronicle

(scroll down)

"A day after exiting after six strong innings with a left hip strain, Astros ace righthander Roy Oswalt said he felt better than he expected to feel Tuesday. Yet, it's too early to tell if he'll start on schedule Saturday against the Atlanta Braves or wait until Sunday, or even Monday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Oswalt suffered the injury on his last pitch, a curveball, Monday while beating the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-1. While manager Cecil Cooper and Oswalt are cautious, there's a chance the team could mix and match from the current crop of pitchers on staff with Chris Sampson, Oscar Villarreal and Tim Byrdak as possibilities to throw at least 40-50 pitches in an outing."

Oswalt leaves game with injury as Astros down Dodgers

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July 1

Houston Chronicle

"For six innings Monday night, Roy Oswalt's curveball was as wicked as it has ever been. His fastball, hitting 95 and 96 mph at times, also was impressive, giving reason to believe the Astros' ace might pitch a complete game as he took the mound to warm up for the seventh. The mood at Minute Maid Park soured a bit, however, when Oswalt exited with a left hip abductor strain before throwing a pitch in the seventh. Now he must wait to see just how bittersweet a 4-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers was."

Starting over not in Astros' plans

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June 28

Houston Chronicle

columnist Richard Justice

"Got some bad news for you, Roy O. You're not going anywhere. Tough luck, buddy. You didn't really want to pitch for the Yankees. I mean, think of the traffic hassles and housing costs. No way you can find a decent chicken-fried steak in the Bronx anyway. Sure the playoffs would be nice, but you can spend the fall on that bulldozer and maybe it won't be so bad. Anyway, that's the message from Drayton McLane this week. There'll be no blowing up the roster and starting over. Never mind that the glass appears to be broken. Drayton is relentlessly optimistic, and there are worse things you can say about a man."