After two strong starts, Oberholtzer staying in rotation

HOUSTON -- With left-hander Brett Oberholtzer pitching so well in his spot start for Erik Bedard a week ago in Baltimore, the Astros are going to keep him in the rotation and employ a six-man rotation for the time being.

Oberholtzer, who's thrown seven scoreless innings in both of his Major League starts, is scheduled to pitch again Monday against the Rangers at Minute Maid Park. Jarred Cosart started Wednesday and will be followed Bedard, Brad Peacock and Dallas Keuchel.

"You look at all the work in which we've had in the bullpen, I think our starters give us the best chance to win," manager Bo Porter said. "Those guys now have an extra day. It allows us to put one of those guys in the bullpen during that extra day, and that helps. When we get ready to make a call to the bullpen, we have those guys available as well."

Cosart, who made his fifth career start Wednesday, became just the second pitcher in the last 100 years to go at least six innings and allow one or fewer earned runs in each of his first four starts. Bedard hasn't won since June 26, but he has a 3.97 ERA in his last six starts.

Peacock made his first start since being called back up Sunday in Minnesota, allowing three runs and four hits while striking out 10 batters in a career-high seven innings. Keuchel has pitched better as a starter than a reliever, going 5-4 with a 4.50 ERA in 14 starts.

Jordan Lyles has struggling lately, going 0-5 with an 8.49 ERA in his last eight starts. He hasn't won since June 18.