Downs produces in rare start: Astros infielder Matt Downs earned his first start of the season on Thursday against the Nationals, as he took over at third base. Downs, who had yet to pick up a hit in six plate appearances prior to the game, went 2 for 5 in the game, scoring three runs and driving in one, his first of the season, as the Astros defeated the Nationals, 11-4. (Updated 04/19/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/24/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Downs had a solid year as a utility player last season, hitting .276 with 10 home runs in just 199 at bats. However he is back in that utility role, and will likely be used mostly as a spot starter and pinch hitter, making him a player to avoid in most Fantasy leagues. (Updated 04/19/2012).
05/15/2012 16:33 Pence HR in 10th lifts Phils past Astros
Hunter Pence atoned for a ninth-inning error by hitting his second home run of the game, a solo shot in the 10th that lifted the Philadelphia Phillies over the Houston Astros 4-3 Tuesday.
05/10/2012 01:41 Marlins win in 12, complete 8-1 road trip
Omar Infante's two-run single in the 12th inning lifted the Miami Marlins to a 5-3 victory against the Houston Astros on Wednesday night.
Matt Downs stepped up his game in 2011 and took some big steps towards becoming a viable option in Fantasy. He earned himself some playing time and ended up batting .276 with 10 home runs and 41 RBI in 106 games. He played all over the infield for the Astros and slugged .518 in 199 at-bats. He will compete for a starting job during the spring but it looks as though he will serve as the first infielder off the bench for Houston. But with all of the young players on the squad, the 27-year-old could earn more at-bats if he continues to progress as a hitter. Downs is shaping up to be more of an NL-only option on Draft Day, but he could become more valuable in deeper mixed leagues with regular playing time. (Updated 1/9/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
