Astros ace Roy Oswalt leaves start with apparent right hand injury

Oswalt leaves game with apparent right hand injury

HOUSTON — Astros ace Roy Oswalt has left his start in the seventh inning against Washington with an apparent injury to his right hand.

Houston led 4-1 on Friday night before Adam Dunn and Josh Willingham opened the inning with consecutive doubles. Pitching coach Dewey Robinson then trotted out to check on Oswalt and called for a trainer.

Astros manager Cecil Cooper jogged to the mound and, after a brief discussion, Oswalt left the game. Chris Sampson relieved and Washington scored three more runs to take a 5-4 lead.

Oswalt was seeking his third straight victory. The right-hander also left a start against the Nationals on May 5 after hurting his right index finger while batting.