Chronicle: Oswalt won't be ready for first game of playoffs

[countingcrow]

ESPN Link (http://espn.go.com/mlb/news/2001/1003/1258525.html)


Report: Oswalt's progress slow from groin injury


HOUSTON -- It appears Houston Astros' rookie right-hander Roy Oswalt won't be available for the start of the postseason if they reach the first round.

The Houston Chronicle reported Wednesday that Oswalt has been slow in recovering from a strained right groin and will not be available to start until Game 3 at the earliest.

"I don't think it's realistic to think he's going to pitch during the regular season," general manager Gerry Hunsicker told the newspaper Tuesday. "I think next Friday or Saturday is probably the earliest I can see him being able to start."

Both National League Division Series are scheduled to begin Oct. 9, with Game 2 scheduled for the next day. Oswalt could start Game 3 start on Oct. 12.

Oswalt suffered the injury after two innings Sept. 18 at San Francisco. After a 10-day layoff, he aggravated the injury in the third inning last Friday at Chicago.

He is 14-3 with a 2.73 ERA in 141 2/3 innings this season.

[Major]

In that case, losing home field advantage wouldn't be too bad. Oswalt is the one pitcher who dominates at Enron. Reynolds and Miller both are better on the road. Might be best to get Games #1 and #2 on the road, and start Oswalt at home in Game #3.

[TedRuxpin]

Well, we better assume we are taking the other 2 games from this series and at least 2/3 from the Cards to even make it there.

[Groogrux]

All we have to do is win one against the Giants to make the playoffs. Our magic number is 2 over the Giants.