The Astros have shut down 32-year old righty starting pitcher Roy Oswalt for the season due to lingering soreness in his back. He started 30 games for the Astros this season and he was 8-6 with a 4.12 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP. That was the highest ERA of Oswalt’s career. He has now pitched 9 years with the Astros covering 283 games (271 starts) in which he is 137-70 with a 3.23 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP. It was smart to shut down Oswalt as back injuries are nothing to sneeze at.

Carlos Lee has been outstanding for the Astros. He has played in 144 games for the Astros this season and he is 167 for 545 (.306 avg, .854 OPS) with 61 runs scored, 25 homers, 95 RBIs and 4 stolen bases. With 5 more RBIs this season Lee will have his 5th 100 RBI season of his major league career including all three years with the Astros. Carlos Lee has now played in 421 games for the Astros and he is 494 for 1,608 (.307 avg) with 215 runs scored, 85 homers, 314 RBIs and 8 stolen bases.