Worth noting

• After the Astros' top six Minor League affiliates reached the playoffs this year -- the first time that's been done since the 2003 Pirates -- the Astros wound up with two championships. Class A Quad Cities won the Midwest League on Saturday, a few days after rookie-league Tri-City won the New York-Penn League.

• Left fielder Robbie Grossman, who hasn't played since straining his oblique while swinging the bat on Sept. 3, is getting closer to returning, Porter said. The injury bothers Grossman more when he swings the bat left-handed than right-handed, but he's available to pinch-run and is increasing his activity.