KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Following the Astros' game with the Reds on Wednesday, manager Cecil Cooper informed third-base prospect Chris Johnson that he has been reassigned to Minor League camp, but that he will accompany the Astros to Corpus Christi and Houston to wrap up the exhibition season with the team.

After that, Johnson will depart for Round Rock to join the Triple-A Express.

"He took it well -- it wouldn't be fair to leave him wondering about all of this," Cooper said. "This kid's handled himself like a big leaguer. He's handled himself well, he's held his own here. He handled his business in a professional manner. I could tell he was all ears -- not as much talking, just listening. His work habits were great."

Johnson hit .245 over 29 spring games and received consideration to make the team when Aaron Boone was deemed lost for the season. The acquisition of Jeff Keppinger, however, ended that thought process.

Barring an unforeseen interruption, the 25-man Opening Day roster is all but set. Russ Ortiz nailed down a rotation spot with his performance Tuesday night versus the Braves, and the demotion of Edwin Maysonet to Triple-A, clears the path for Jason Smith to win the final utility infielder job.

"I'll just say Jason Smith has played well," Cooper said. "Nothing is official."

As it stands, here is the projected Opening Day roster:

Rotation:
Roy Oswalt
Wandy Rodriguez
Brian Moehler
Mike Hampton
Ortiz

Catchers:
Ivan Rodriguez
Humberto Quintero

Infielders:
Lance Berkman
Kazuo Matsui
Miguel Tejada
Geoff Blum
Keppinger
Smith

Outfielders:
Hunter Pence
Carlos Lee
Michael Bourn
Darin Erstad
Jason Michaels

Bullpen:
Wesley Wright
Tim Byrdak
Chris Sampson
Geoff Geary
LaTroy Hawkins
Doug Brocail
Jose Valverde

Officially, Jose Capellan is still in the picture, but it's likely he will not be when the deadline to set rosters passes on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. CT.

In other camp news, Lance Berkman [bicep tendinitis] was held out of the lineup again on Wednesday, but he'll likely DH when the team plays the Double-A Hooks in Corpus Christi on Thursday.

Cooper plans to DH Berkman on Saturday against the Indians, too, but Puma's status for Friday is to be determined.

"I'm still thinking about what I'm going to do on Friday," Cooper said.

Also, Roy Oswalt's start on Wednesday ended a bit prematurely, due to the right-hander experiencing light-headedness and dehydration. Oswalt threw 45 pitches over four innings.

"He didn't eat breakfast," Cooper said. "It was pretty hot out there today. He's fine."