Bullpens are rested as Astros, Rangers continue series

Astros left-hander Framber Valdez entered Thursday trailing only Justin Verlander on the Houston staff in innings pitched, having worked at least six innings in four consecutive starts.

That Valdez delivered seven strong innings in the Astros' 5-1 victory over the visiting Texas Rangers in the opener of a four-game series was not a surprise. However, it certainly qualified as welcome for Astros manager Dusty Baker, who c