HOUSTON — Astros ace Roy Oswalt wants out of Houston.
General manager Ed Wade said Oswalt’s agent, Bob Garber, contacted owner Drayton McLane this week to make the request. When asked if it was a request or a demand, Wade said that distinction didn’t matter.
“Roy’s contract has a no- trade clause, not a trade-me clause,” Wade said. “There is no rule that allows a player in his contract status to demand a trade. So demand, request, hold your breath until you turn blue, it’s all the same. It’s acknowledged and noted.
“I always consider everything that would make the Houston Astros better. So we’ll certainly look at that, but we’ll look at a number of other things also.”
Oswalt has made nine straight quality starts to open the season but is 2-6 with a 2.66 ERA. He has gotten the lowest run support in the league.
Footnotes.
Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins left Philadelphia’s game against Boston in the sixth inning with a mild right calf strain.
• Brian McNamee is scheduled to appear Tuesday before a grand jury that will decide whether to indict Roger Clemens for lying under oath to Congress.
• Yankees pitcher Javier Vazquez was removed after six shutout innings against the Mets because of a bruised right index finger. He is expected to make his next start.
• Cardinals reliever Blake Hawksworth has a groin injury that the team will try to remedy with rest.
• Mets pitcher John Maine is heading to the disabled list with right shoulder weakness.
• The Giants placed right- handed reliever Brandon Medders (knee) on the 15-day DL and purchased the contract of reliever Santiago Casilla from Triple-A Fresno.
• The Nationals unconditionally released outfielder Willy Taveras, who hit .200 in 27 games. The Associated Press
