Season series: Rangers lead, 1-0

RHP Roy Oswalt (4-3, 5.05 ERA): Don't be fooled by the high ERA. Over the last month, he's been vintage Oswalt, going 4-0 with a 3.51 ERA. All six of his starts in that stretch has been a quality start. He has, however, lost his last three starts in Arlington, despite allowing eight earned runs in 22 innings. The Astros scored a total of three runs in those games.

Loves to face: Marlon Byrd (1-for-10)

Hates to face: Ian Kinsler (3-for-6, HR)

Update: CF Michael Bourn has failed to be the igniter the Astros hoped he would be. Though he had not been caught in 17 stolen base attempts, his .252 on-base percentage entering Friday ranked last among the 94 NL qualifiers.

RHP Vicente Padilla (5-2, 3.23 ERA): Evidence of the new and improved Padilla came in his last start. He allowed five first-inning runs, but stuck around to give the Rangers five innings – and the Rangers rallied to win, 13-12, over Seattle. The club is 6-2 in his eight starts. He has held lefties to a .270 average after allowing a .329 mark last year.

Loves to face: Carlos Lee (0-for-5)

Hates to face: Lance Berkman (8-for-16, HR)

Update: The Rangers' emphasis on moving runners has helped avoid double plays. They entered Friday having hit into 31 double plays in 42 games, fifth fewest in the AL. Michael Young, second in the AL in double plays (68) from 2005-07, has hit into three.