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Oswalt says he's good to go in Game 4
Updated: Monday October 08, 2001 8:44 PM
HOUSTON (AP) -- Rookie Roy Oswalt might have been the most reliable pitcher for the Houston Astros much of this season. The Astros can only hope that they can rely on him for their first-round playoff series against the Atlanta Braves. Oswalt (14-3), bothered by a sore right groin, threw 70 pitches in a simulated game Monday to test his strained right groin and could be ready to start Game 4 if the best-of-five series lasts that long. "I wouldn't say it was normal, I just haven't been out there in a month and it's like coming into spring training," Oswalt said. "You haven't been against competition and you don't know until you get out there." The Astros already have lost Pedro Astacio and promising rookie Carlos Hernandez for the season. Getting Oswalt back and healthy would be a big boost for the Astros' playoff hopes. Oswalt faced several of his teammates to test the injury that knocked him out of a start on Sept. 18 and again on Sept. 28. "I was trying to get them out like anybody, probably more," Oswalt said. "I don't want them bragging so I went with maximum effort." After a brief start of the season in Class AAA New Orleans, Oswalt became one of the Astros' steadiest starters, compiling a 14-3 record and 2.73 ERA. "They have some of the best-looking young pitchers you'd ever want to see, and Oswalt, you're looking at a Cy Young winner there one day, real soon," Braves manager Bobby Cox said. General manager Gerry Hunsicker watched Oswalt's workout intently. "He had a good day," Hunsicker said. "He will be on the playoff roster and barring setbacks the next few days, we have him set up to pitch Game 4." Oswalt's teammates were encouraged by how he pitched Monday. "He wasn't worried about his throwing just about his leg," Jose Vizcaino said. "We bunted a few on him to see how he moved and he moved real well." Oswalt hopes he's not rusty, despite pitching only five innings in nearly one month. "It could be a big factor from the quality of the pitches," he said. "I felt great but just the fact you haven't faced any competition is the thing." Oswalt originally injured his groin on Sept. 18 against the San Francisco Giants. He left after two innings at Pac Bell Park. He returned 10 days later against the Cubs, but it was premature. "Right now I'm down on myself not helping the team get into the playoffs," Oswalt said. "I'm glad we got in the playoffs and came together and won the division. I really wanted to be there toward the end of the season for the team. Right now I want to do all can to get out there."
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