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With Andy Pettitte still bothered by a left elbow strain, the Houston Astros
will again ask Brandon Duckworth to make a start as they open a three-game series
with the Colorado Rockies.
Pettitte, who has been on the disabled list since April 10 after injuring his
throwing elbow on a check swing, was expected to pitch the opener. But the Astros
did not want to risk rushing Pettitte back after he felt a twinge during a bullpen
session Tuesday.
Duckworth gave the Astros four innings of three-run, four-hit ball in his first start of the season Saturday, helping Houston to a 14-5 rout of Milwaukee. Used mainly as a starter in Philadelphia last season, Duckworth was expected to work strictly out of the bullpen after coming to Houston in the deal that sent closer Billy Wagner to the Phillies.
Astros manager Jimy Williams appreciated Duckworth's performance.
``There was nothing wrong, Duckworth gave us 12 good outs and then the relievers came in and did their jobs,'' Williams said.
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The Astros are coming off three straight home losses to St. Louis, including
Thursday's 2-1, 12-inning setback. Second baseman Jeff Kent misplayed a grounder
in the top of the 12th, leading to the go-ahead run for St. Louis, which outscored
Houston 19-10 during the series.
The Rockies have won three of their last four games, including Thursday's rain-shortened 7-1 victory over Los Angeles. Matt Holliday, promoted from the minors last week, hit his first career homer and drove in three runs before the rain forced the stoppage after six innings.
Holliday, filling in for injured slugger Preston Wilson, has eight hits in his last 12 at-bats after going 0-for-7 following his call-up.
``The fact is that Matt is definitely a little more comfortable with each passing day,'' Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said. ``He's finding the barrel of the bat with regularity.''
Vinny Castilla went 3-for-3 with a homer for the Rockies, who are 6-4 since
a season-high five-game losing streak.