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Roy Oswalt (hip) is hoping a tweak in the rotation could help him avoid the disabled list.

"Maybe if they line me up as the fifth starter, that could give me 12 or 13 days," Oswalt said. He's right. If done correctly, the Astros won't need a fifth starter until July 22 against the Pirates. Still, it'll be tough for Oswalt to be ready by that date. He is going to sit idle during the entire All-Star break and won't begin throwing exercises until Friday, July 18.

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With Roy Oswalt (hip) unavailable, Brian Moehler will start the first game of the second half for the Astros.

He'll pitch Friday night against the Cubs after going 5-4 with a 4.28 ERA split between the rotation and bullpen in the first half.