Johan Santana struggled in his first game since August, allowing four runs on six hits in 1 2-3 innings, and the Houston Astros beat the New York Mets 8-4 on Tuesday. Kaz Matsui hit a solo homer for the first of four straight hits in the first inning off Santana, who struck out one and walked one. The left-hander made it through the short outing with no setbacks as he continues to build strength...

It could not be spring training for the Astros without an injury scare.

The Astros got their first—and arguably the biggest of all—when Lance Berkman complained of pain and swelling in his left knee during the first week of March.

Berkman, the Astros' biggest bat, was diagnosed with a contusion that forced him to miss a workout and the team's Grapefruit League opener. He was back in uniform March 5, getting two at-bats as the designated hitter against the Tigers.

"(The knee) is OK; it's not perfect, but it's definitely playable," Berkman said. "It doesn't necessarily feel a lot better, but when the doctor told me I couldn't hurt it any worse, why not go back out there?

"I need to get ready for the season."

With Miguel Tejada gone and two...

Toronto manager Cito Gaston thinks Ricky Romero is a much improved pitcher now that he has some experience. The 25-year-old left-hander pitched three shutout innings, allowing four hits and striking out two in the Blue Jays' 4-1 win over the Houston Astros on Monday. Rivera went 13-9 in 29 starts as a rookie last season.

This time last year, Tommy Hanson was a confident prospect who knew it wouldn't be long until he made the major leagues. After a half-season rising through the Atlanta Braves system, Hanson made his major league debut and surprised no one, going 11-4 in 21 starts for the Braves. Now, his confidence is just as high.