HOUSTON -- Regardless of how he performed on Saturday, Taylor Buchholz was pretty much a lock to make the Opening Day roster.
But throwing seven shutout innings against the Royals certainly didn't hurt his cause and that outing probably solidified his spot as the No. 5 starter.
That announcement will arrive at a later date, likely a few days before April 11, the first time the Astros will need their fifth starter. The only decision that had to be made by Saturday was the Opening Day roster, and it was no major surprise that Buchholz, pitcher Fernando Nieve and catcher Eric Munson all made the cut.
Munson's contract was purchased from Triple-A Round Rock, while infielder Kevin Orie was reassigned to Minor League camp.
The Astros will open the season with 12 pitchers: Brandon Backe, Buchholz, Mike Gallo, Brad Lidge, Trever Miller, Nieve, Roy Oswalt, Andy Pettitte, Chad Qualls, Wandy Rodriguez, Russ Springer and Dan Wheeler.
Buchholz, who could have 10 days in between starts, will be available out of the bullpen beginning April 5, the final game with the Marlins. Carlos Hernandez, who was sent to Minor League camp last week, is also in the running for the fifth starter job.
The last night of Spring Training is an interesting dynamic. Players usually aren't told when they make the club; they're only called into the manager's office if they were cut.
So for Buchholz, the old cliche "no news is good news" certainly fits.
"It's a relief to find out," he said. "I'll sleep better tonight. That's what I came into Spring Training wanting to do, to make the team. I know I came in ready, and I'm happy with the way it went."
Manager Phil Garner did have a more detailed conversation with Nieve, who appears to be headed to the bullpen as a long reliever.
"They want to use me for whatever they want, probably long relief, pitching day by day," Nieve said.
The Astros will carry two catchers, Brad Ausmus and Munson. They have seven infielders -- Lance Berkman, Craig Biggio, Eric Bruntlett, Chris Burke, Morgan Ensberg, Adam Everett and Mike Lamb -- and four outfielders -- Jason Lane, Orlando Palmeiro, Willy Taveras and Preston Wilson. Jeff Bagwell begins the year on the 15-day disabled list. The 40-man roster currently stands at 38.
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Looks a little damp without Clemens that is for sure. But they are still pretty good on paper in my opinion.
