Roy Oswalt shines in first start after trade request

Roy Oswalt started yesterday for the first time since requesting a trade last week and shut out the Brewers for eight innings while matching his season-high with nine strikeouts. Better yet the Astros actually gave him some rare run support in a 5-0 win. Oswalt’s record is just 3-6 because Houston’s offense is terrible, but he’s pitching as well as ever with a 2.35 ERA and 69/17 K/BB ratio in 69 innings at age 32. Reports vary on just how likely the Astros are to deal Oswalt, but that’s to be expected in late May. As the trading deadline approaches, I’ll be shocked if Houston isn’t fielding offers.