Houston ace Roy Oswalt will miss his last three starts of the season due to lingering back pain; pain that most people feel he’s been feeling most of the year as an explanation for his disappointing season.  ”It’s not getting any better and it’s kind of lingering a little bit,” Oswalt said.

Oswalt, 32, went 8-6 with a 4.12 ERA in 30 starts this year.  This is Oswalt’s lowest win total in a season ever.

Lefty starter Mike Hampton is once again going back to the DL with a left shoulder strain. Hampy has had lingering soreness in the shoulder for most of the year, and was still feeling soreness in his shoulder Tuesday, as he opted not to throw and consult the team’s trainers.  He was also diagnosed with a torn lateral meniscus in the knee after only pitching two innings on his August 8th start.