Mlb, Houston Astros | featured news

Alex Rodriguez will make more this year than all the Houston Astros combined -- a lot more.

Roy Halladay pitched a six-hitter and the Philadelphia Phillies became the first team to reach the playoffs this season with a 1-0 victory over the Houston Astros on Wednesday.

When Stephen Strasburg hopped down the Washington Nationals dugout steps after the third inning Sunday afternoon, he had finally tapped the full extent of his powers. He had put his ragged, 31-pitch first inning behind him by making a crucial adjustment. He had plowed through six consecutive Houston Astros.

It's official. According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, Lance Berkman has consented to waive his no-trade rights and will head to the Yankees. We'll still have to wait 24 hours due to his 10-5 rights, but this thing is done. It's not yet known who the Astros will receive in return or if they were willing to eat any of his contract.

Houston Astros outfielder Michael Bourn has been suspended two games for making contact with umpire Alfonso Marquez during a game against the San Diego Padres.

The Astros and general manager Ed Wade have agreed on a two-year contract extension through 2012, KRIV-TV in Houston has reported.

Kyle Kendrick pitched three scoreless innings in relief of Pedro Martinez and the Phillies beat the Houston Astros 10-3 Wednesday night to clinch their third straight NL East crown.