While reliever Matt Lindstrom returned from the disabled list healthy Wednesday, it doesn't mean that he's getting his old job as closer back. For the moment, that role still belongs to Brandon Lyon, who excelled while Lindstrom was on the 15-day DL with back spasms. It was Lyon who was saved to pitch the ninth inning in what would turn out to be a 5-2 victory over St. Louis, and he got the job done once again, earning his 11th save with a perfect ninth inning, striking out one. Lindstrom, meanwhile, pitched the seventh and had an identical pitching line. "Is he going to take over (as the closer) at some point," manager Brad Mills asked rhetorically regarding Lindstrom. "Let's wait on that a little bit, simply because Lyon has done such a good job." Lyon's job as the closer didn't begin when Lindstrom went on the DL. Rather, it started previously as Lindstrom struggled with three blown saves in four appearances as he was trying to battle through back problems. While Lyon has enjoyed the statistically better season and currently has the task of closing, Mills didn't rule out giving Lindstrom some shots in the ninth inning. "When (Lyon) has to be used so much, maybe we have to give him a day and then maybe it goes to Lindy," Mills said. "I think we just have to kind of wait and see how everything plays out, but it was sure nice to see (Lindstrom) come through with a clean inning." ASTROS 5, CARDINALS 2: Hunter Pence homered, and Nelson Figueroa notched his fourth win as the Astros finished a three-game sweep of the Cardinals. It was their second sweep of a contender in two weeks, coming just after a four-game sweep in Philadelphia.


Lance Berkman - Brett Myers - Hunter Pence - Astros - Run batted in

With his team in disparate need of a win, St. Louis Cardinals starter Chris Carpenter played the role of stopper to perfection.


St. Louis Cardinals - Chris Carpenter - Sport - Baseball - Teams

Chris Carpenter outdueled Tim Lincecum, newcomer Pedro Feliz drove in two runs and the St. Louis Cardinals snapped a five-game losing streak by beating the San Francisco Giants 5-1 Saturday night.


St Louis Cardinals - San Francisco Giants - Tim Lincecum - Pedro Feliz - sport

Lorenzo Cain stood in the middle of the clubhouse watching television with an awe-struck look on his face. The images engrossing him? Highlights of the rookie's big day.


Houston Astros - Milwaukee Brewers - Casey McGehee - Lorenzo Cain - Baseball

Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Silva wasn't happy after losing two straight games. He never lost confidence that he could turn things around.


Chicago Cubs - Alfonso Soriano - Houston Astros - Scout Groups - Scouting

In his first season as a major league manager, Brad Mills takes over a team that boasts a new third baseman, a rookie shortstop, a weakened bullpen that needs to be sorted out and no clear starter at catcher. The Astros are counting on defense and pitching to help them contend, but a priority has to be finding a way to make up for the loss of Miguel Tejada's offensive contributions. ARRIVALS: RHP Matt Lindstrom (trade with Marlins), 3B Pedro Feliz (free agent from Phillies), RHP Brandon Lyon (free agent from Tigers), RHP Brett Myers (free agent from Phillies), OF Cory Sullivan (minor league free agent from Mets), C Kevin Cash (minor league free agent from Yankees). DEPARTURES: RHP LaTroy Hawkins (free agent, signed with Brewers), C Chris Coste (free agent, signed with Mets), RHP Jose Valverde (free agent, signed with Tigers), SS Miguel Tejada (free agent, signed with Orioles), RHP Doug Brocail (retired), INF Aaron Boone (free agent, retired), INF/OF Darin Erstad (free agent, unsigned), LHP Mike Hampton (free agent, unsigned). PROJECTED ROTATION: 1. RHP Roy Oswalt 2. LHP Wandy Rodriguez 3. RHP Brett Myers 4. RHP Bud Norris 5. RHP Brian Moehler The addition of Myers gives the rotation much-needed bite -- and depth. He is a workhorse who can go 200-plus innings when healthy. Oswalt remains the ace, but his back is a major concern. The Astros hope Rodriguez can at least replicate last season's performance that earned him team pitcher of the year honors. RHP Felipe Paulino, who can throw in the triple digits but has had control issues, will challenge Norris (6-3 in 10 starts as a rookie in 2009) and veteran Moehler for one of remaining two spots. But if the Astros want to go the safe route, he will start the year in Class AAA Round Rock. PROJECTED BULLPEN: RHP Matt Lindstrom (closer) RHP Brandon Lyon LHP Tim Byrdak RHP Jeff Fulchino RHP Chris Sampson RHP Alberto Arias Lindstrom and Lyon have big shoes to fill. The bullpen is decidedly weaker without RHPs Jose Valverde and LaTroy Hawkins. Lindstrom and Lyon will compete for the role of closer. Lyon, who was signed to a three-year, $15 million deal, was considered the top candidate for the job, but he will enter spring training at least 10 days behind schedule after having a cyst in his right shoulder drained. That gives Lindstrom an edge. PROJECTED LINEUP: 1. CF Michael Bourn 2. 2B Kaz Matsui 3. LF Carlos Lee 4. 1B Lance Berkman 5. 3B Pedro Feliz 6. RF Hunter Pence 7. SS Tommy Manzella 8. C J.R. Towles or C Jason Castro New manager Brad Mills already has a lineup in mind, with its biggest question mark being rookie Manzella, whom Mills describes as an unknown on offense. Bourn is a lock at the top, with Matsui to follow -- provided he stays healthy. Newcomer Pedro Feliz could go fifth behind power hitters Carlos Lee and Lance Berkman; he was acquired for his defensive skills but also for his pop potential. Manzella likely will end up seventh. PROJECTED RESERVES: INF Geoff Blum INF Jeff Keppinger INF Chris Johnson OF Jason Michaels OF Cory Sullivan C Humberto Quintero Blum, who made 102 appearances at third base in 2009, will be utility infielder. The Astros won't hesitate to put Blum at second if Matsui struggles, and they might use him at third in tandem with Feliz. Sullivan replaces Darin Erstad as the backup left-handed bat in the outfield. Quintero provides a veteran backup for whichever young catcher lands the top job. MEDICAL WATCH: --RHP Brett Myers (strained left groin) left his March 25 start, but he was hopeful he wouldn't miss his next turn. --1B Lance Berkman (sore left knee) had arthroscopic surgery March 13. He remained optimistic about an opening-day return. --RHP Alberto Arias (neck) had thrown two bullpen sessions in mid-March and was pronounced ready to begin throwing to hitters in live batting practice. --OF Michael Bourn (right oblique strain) was scratched from a start in mid-March. He was not expected to swing a bat for two to three days. --RHP Yorman Bazardo (sore right rotator cuff) had to cut off a bullpen session in mid-March.

--RHP Brett Myers exited his March 25 start with a strained left groin, but he was hopeful he wouldn't miss a start. "If I did keep going, I could have (been out) a month instead of like three days," he said. --RHP Roy Oswalt will make his eighth consecutive opening-day start, manager Brad Mills announced March 20. Oswalt had a career-low eight wins and a career-high 4.12 ERA last year. --RHP Brandon Lyon made his Grapefruit League debut on March 18 as he continues his rehabilitation from surgery in late January to have a cyst drained on his throwing shoulder. "It seems like every day, my arm is feeling better and better and getting stronger and stronger," said Lyon, a candidate for the closer's job. "Still, my goal is to be ready by Day 1." --RHP Bud Norris was the latest Astro to be afflicted with a stomach flu that had traveled around the clubhouse. Norris was scratched from his third start because of the illness and was pushed back two days. C Jason Castro and LF Carlos Lee had also been bothered by the virus during spring training. --INF Edwin Maysonet began taking fly balls in the outfield as roster cuts trimmed the number of outfielders in camp. Maysonet will have difficulty making the club as an infielder if 1B Lance Berkman returns healthy in time. "All I have to do is work at it," Maysonet said of the outfield. "I think my defense is pretty good, and I should be able to do a pretty good job out there (in the outfield), too." --OF Cory Sullivan and OF Jason Bourgeois were the only two true outfielders among the non-roster invites to survive the first round of roster cuts. The Astros had only four outfielders on the roster, giving the two the inside track on a job. They responded well in the next game after the cuts, combining for four of the Astros' six hits. --RHP Sammy Gervacio's bid to win a spot on the club was off to a tremendous start. The nearly sidearming right-hander allowed one run and two hits in seven innings over his first six appearances. He credited time in the Dominican winter league and his short stint with the Astros last year for giving him some comfort, but he said, "It's the same spring training every year." --INF Jose Vallejo was outrighted to Class AAA Round Rock, and OF Alex Romero unconditionally released. RHP Chia-Jen Lo and C Lou Santangelo were reassigned to the Astros' minor league camp, LHP Fernando Abad, OF Brian Bogusevic, RHP Evan Englebrook, RHP Matt Nevarez, OF Yordany Ramirez, INF Wladimir Sutil, LHP Polin Trinidad, RHP Jose Valdez and RHP Henry Villar were optioned to the team's minor league camp. BY THE NUMBERS: 39 -- Players remaining on the Astros' 40-man roster after INF Jose Vallejo cleared waivers and was outrighted to Class AAA Round Rock. That left the Astros with a spot to add a non-roster invitee such as C Jason Castro, OF Cory Sullivan or OF Jason Bourgeois. QUOTE TO NOTE: "This is not rotisserie league baseball or anything like that. We've got to take roster status, contractual status, service time, everything into consideration to try to make the right decision both for now and the long term." -- GM Ed Wade, on the Astros' looming decision between C J.R. Towles and C Jason Castro for a roster spot.

The Astros expect to take every minute of the time allotted up to the April 4 roster deadline to decide on a starting catcher. J.R. Towles and Jason Castro both started spring training with an impressive two weeks at the plate, and both drew praise for the rest of their game. "J.R. and Jason both know that this is a great opportunity for them here in the short term, and they have done everything that they possibly could do to put themselves in position to win the job," general manager Ed Wade said. "As we sit here today, we're sort of in an enviable position of having two really good solid young guys, both of whom have a chance to win the job here." Towles had been among the Astros' top hitters in camp, collecting 11 hits, including five doubles, in his first 23 at-bats. Castro, meanwhile, had eight hits in his first 20 at-bats. Defensively, Castro's philosophy was to learn on the go, picking up the nuances of each pitcher in Grapefruit League games. Towles was a little bit more measured and advance-preparation-oriented. "I went out with Roy (Oswalt) one night and (Brian) Moehler, and I plan on going with a few other guys," Towles said. "It's really going and talking with them to see what I can do different, what I can do that they would like to see me do to help them out." Despite the hot starts of Towles and Castro, manager Brad Mills still wants Humberto Quintero for the backup spot because of his experience and strong throwing arm.

In his first season as a major league manager, Brad Mills takes over a team that boasts a new third baseman, a rookie shortstop, a weakened bullpen that needs to be sorted out and no clear starter at catcher. The Astros are counting on defense and pitching to help them contend, but a priority has to be finding a way to make up for the loss of Miguel Tejada's offensive contributions. ARRIVALS: RHP Matt Lindstrom (trade with Marlins), 3B Pedro Feliz (free agent from Phillies), RHP Brandon Lyon (free agent from Tigers), RHP Brett Myers (free agent from Phillies), OF Cory Sullivan (minor league free agent from Mets), C Kevin Cash (minor league free agent from Yankees). DEPARTURES: RHP LaTroy Hawkins (free agent, signed with Brewers), C Chris Coste (free agent, signed with Mets), RHP Jose Valverde (free agent, signed with Tigers), SS Miguel Tejada (free agent, signed with Orioles), RHP Doug Brocail (retired), INF Aaron Boone (free agent, retired), INF/OF Darin Erstad (free agent, unsigned), LHP Mike Hampton (free agent, unsigned). PROJECTED ROTATION: 1. RHP Roy Oswalt 2. LHP Wandy Rodriguez 3. RHP Brett Myers 4. RHP Bud Norris 5. RHP Brian Moehler The addition of Myers gives the rotation much-needed bite -- and depth. He is a workhorse who can go 200-plus innings when healthy. Oswalt remains the ace, but his back is a major concern. The Astros hope Rodriguez can at least replicate last season's performance that earned him team pitcher of the year honors. RHP Felipe Paulino, who can throw in the triple digits but has had control issues, will challenge Norris (6-3 in 10 starts as a rookie in 2009) and veteran Moehler for one of remaining two spots. But if the Astros want to go the safe route, he will start the year in Class AAA Round Rock. PROJECTED BULLPEN: RHP Matt Lindstrom (closer) RHP Brandon Lyon LHP Tim Byrdak RHP Jeff Fulchino RHP Chris Sampson RHP Alberto Arias Lindstrom and Lyon have big shoes to fill. The bullpen is decidedly weaker without RHPs Jose Valverde and LaTroy Hawkins. Lindstrom and Lyon will compete for the role of closer. Lyon, who was signed to a three-year, $15 million deal, was considered the top candidate for the job, but he will enter spring training at least 10 days behind schedule after having a cyst in his right shoulder drained. That gives Lindstrom an edge. PROJECTED LINEUP: 1. CF Michael Bourn 2. 2B Kaz Matsui 3. LF Carlos Lee 4. 1B Lance Berkman 5. 3B Pedro Feliz 6. RF Hunter Pence 7. SS Tommy Manzella 8. C J.R. Towles or C Jason Castro New manager Brad Mills already has a lineup in mind, with its biggest question mark being rookie Manzella, whom Mills describes as an unknown on offense. Bourn is a lock at the top, with Matsui to follow -- provided he stays healthy. Newcomer Pedro Feliz could go fifth behind power hitters Carlos Lee and Lance Berkman; he was acquired for his defensive skills but also for his pop potential. Manzella likely will end up seventh. PROJECTED RESERVES: INF Geoff Blum INF Jeff Keppinger INF Chris Johnson OF Jason Michaels OF Cory Sullivan C Humberto Quintero Blum, who made 102 appearances at third base in 2009, will be utility infielder. The Astros won't hesitate to put Blum at second if Matsui struggles, and they might use him at third in tandem with Feliz. Sullivan replaces Darin Erstad as the backup left-handed bat in the outfield. Quintero provides a veteran backup for whichever young catcher lands the top job. MEDICAL WATCH: --1B Lance Berkman (sore left knee) had arthroscopic surgery March 13. He remained optimistic about an opening-day return. --RHP Alberto Arias (neck) had thrown two bullpen sessions in mid-March and was pronounced ready to begin throwing to hitters in live batting practice. --OF Michael Bourn (right oblique strain) was scratched from a start in mid-March. He was not expected to swing a bat for two to three days. --RHP Yorman Bazardo (sore right rotator cuff) had to cut off a bullpen session in mid-March.

--RHP Roy Oswalt will make his eighth consecutive opening-day start, manager Brad Mills announced March 20. Oswalt had a career-low eight wins and a career-high 4.12 ERA last year. --RHP Brandon Lyon made his Grapefruit League debut on March 18 as he continues his rehabilitation from surgery in late January to have a cyst drained on his throwing shoulder. "It seems like every day, my arm is feeling better and better and getting stronger and stronger," said Lyon, a candidate for the closer's job. "Still, my goal is to be ready by Day 1." --RHP Bud Norris was the latest Astro to be afflicted with a stomach flu that had traveled around the clubhouse. Norris was scratched from his third start because of the illness and was pushed back two days. C Jason Castro and LF Carlos Lee had also been bothered by the virus during spring training. --INF Edwin Maysonet began taking fly balls in the outfield as roster cuts trimmed the number of outfielders in camp. Maysonet will have difficulty making the club as an infielder if 1B Lance Berkman returns healthy in time. "All I have to do is work at it," Maysonet said of the outfield. "I think my defense is pretty good, and I should be able to do a pretty good job out there (in the outfield), too." --OF Cory Sullivan and OF Jason Bourgeois were the only two true outfielders among the non-roster invites to survive the first round of roster cuts. The Astros had only four outfielders on the roster, giving the two the inside track on a job. They responded well in the next game after the cuts, combining for four of the Astros' six hits. --RHP Sammy Gervacio's bid to win a spot on the club was off to a tremendous start. The nearly sidearming right-hander allowed one run and two hits in seven innings over his first six appearances. He credited time in the Dominican winter league and his short stint with the Astros last year for giving him some comfort, but he said, "It's the same spring training every year." --INF Jose Vallejo was outrighted to Class AAA Round Rock, and OF Alex Romero unconditionally released. RHP Chia-Jen Lo and C Lou Santangelo were reassigned to the Astros' minor league camp, LHP Fernando Abad, OF Brian Bogusevic, RHP Evan Englebrook, RHP Matt Nevarez, OF Yordany Ramirez, INF Wladimir Sutil, LHP Polin Trinidad, RHP Jose Valdez and RHP Henry Villar were optioned to the team's minor league camp. BY THE NUMBERS: 39 -- Players remaining on the Astros' 40-man roster after INF Jose Vallejo cleared waivers and was outrighted to Class AAA Round Rock. That left the Astros with a spot to add a non-roster invitee such as C Jason Castro, OF Cory Sullivan or OF Jason Bourgeois. QUOTE TO NOTE: "This is not rotisserie league baseball or anything like that. We've got to take roster status, contractual status, service time, everything into consideration to try to make the right decision both for now and the long term." -- GM Ed Wade, on the Astros' looming decision between C J.R. Towles and C Jason Castro for a roster spot.

The Astros expect to take every minute of the time allotted up to the April 4 roster deadline to decide on a starting catcher. J.R. Towles and Jason Castro both started spring training with an impressive two weeks at the plate, and both drew praise for the rest of their game. "J.R. and Jason both know that this is a great opportunity for them here in the short term, and they have done everything that they possibly could do to put themselves in position to win the job," general manager Ed Wade said. "As we sit here today, we're sort of in an enviable position of having two really good solid young guys, both of whom have a chance to win the job here." Towles had been among the Astros' top hitters in camp, collecting 11 hits, including five doubles, in his first 23 at-bats. Castro, meanwhile, had eight hits in his first 20 at-bats. Defensively, Castro's philosophy was to learn on the go, picking up the nuances of each pitcher in Grapefruit League games. Towles was a little bit more measured and advance-preparation-oriented. "I went out with Roy (Oswalt) one night and (Brian) Moehler, and I plan on going with a few other guys," Towles said. "It's really going and talking with them to see what I can do different, what I can do that they would like to see me do to help them out." Despite the hot starts of Towles and Castro, manager Brad Mills still wants Humberto Quintero for the backup spot because of his experience and strong throwing arm.