Couple of interesting tidbits out of our pregame session with Joe Maddon today. Scott Kazmir played catch with head athletic trainer Ron Porterfield this morning, making about 25 throws from 60 feet. That officially puts him in “Phase 3” for those scoring his rehab process at home. Next up for Kaz is throwing from a bit longer distance, and Maddon said the team is targeting a bullpen session for Kazmir next Monday or Tuesday.

As for Baldelli, Maddon had been saying for a while that he hoped to get him in the outfield by the end of this week. Doesn’t sound like it’s going to happen. Maddon said he would meet with Porterfield today to decide whether Baldelli’s next appearance will come tomorrow or Friday. Either way, said the skipper, Baldelli will DH the next time out.

“The conversations up to this point, I’m just not comfortable getting him out there [in the outfield],” said Maddon. “We would like to do it, but it just does not seem it’s appropriate right now.”

Here’s the Astros’ lineup, featuring a solid citizen on the hot corner:

Michael Bourn CF
Jose Cruz Jr. DH
Hunter Pence RF
Geoff Blum 2B
Ty Wigginton 3B
Victor Diaz LF
Lance Niekro 1B
Tomas Perez SS
Humberto Quintero C
Runelvys Hernandez P