News
Back problems plaguing Astros
Matsui, Valverde, Keppinger dealing with aches and pains
By Alyson Footer / MLB.com
04/17/09 8:51 PM ET
HOUSTON -- By all accounts, sore backs aren't contagious. Studies show they cannot be transmitted in the same manner as, say, the flu, or if we want to get really dramatic about it, the bubonic plague.But judging from the number of sore backs that popped up during the Astros' four-day stay in Pittsburgh this week, one would have to wonder how anything short of a group bungee jumping outing on Tuesday's off-day could make this particular muscular issue spread so rapidly among teammates.
Conspiracy theories aside, the Astros, for the most part, appear to be on the mend. Closer Jose Valverde, who hurt his back slipping on the mound during Wednesday's game, was deemed available for the opener against the Reds at Minute Maid Park on Friday.
"[Thursday] night, when I got home, I put ice on it and then a heat pack," Valverde said. "I feel better today. I'll play catch, and if I still feel this good, I'll be in the game."
Kazuo Matsui, whose recurring back issues indeed reoccurred while the team was in Pittsburgh, hit off a tee Friday and felt good enough to participate in a round of batting practice on the field. He could return to his position by Saturday, but that determination will not be made until early that day.
Jeff Keppinger, who hurt his back and jammed his hip while sliding into third on a triple during Thursday's finale, was checked out by team doctors Friday and hopes to be available to play by Saturday.
Keppinger said he didn't feel pain immediately after sliding but noticed it a few innings later.
"I'm guessing my muscles tightened up," Keppinger said. "I'm feeling a lot better than I was this morning."
The injuries have forced manager Cecil Cooper to get a little creative with his lineups, including moving Michael Bourn to the leadoff spot in Matsui's absence. Bourn had spent much of the first week of the season hitting eighth.
Entering Friday's game, Bourn was hitting .286 with three RBIs, and .318 (7-for-22) vs. right-handers. He hit safely in seven of the Astros' first eight games.
"Michael's been swinging the bat well at the bottom of the lineup," Cooper said. "We kind of were forced to put him at the top, and he's done well. You just have to roll with it."
Alyson Footer is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
