Timing is Back Early for Berkman after Homer

Astros first base man provided big league spark to offense and to the post-game meal

By Ryan Metz

Round Rock | Prior to his first rehab game with Round Rock on Saturday, Astros first baseman Lance Berkman insisted it would take him some time for the timing to come back to his swing after missing a month after arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. If Sunday’s results are any indication, the Astros can feel pretty happy about the new addition to the three-hole in the lineup.

Berkman crushed a home run to right field in his fourth and final at-bat in the bottom of the sixth inning, finishing 3-for-4 with three runs, two doubles and two RBI in the Express’ 9-1 victory over the New Orleans Zephyrs on Sunday afternoon.

“I’m definitely pleased with the results and my swing feels good,” he said. “It’s tough to hit anywhere, I don’t care where you’re at.”

Berkman departed after six innings of playing first base and was pleased with the two-game rehab stint with the Expresss. He finished 3-for-6 at the plate in both games.

“I’m definitely anxious to get going,” said the five-time All-Star, who will join the Houston club on Tuesday, when they open a nine-game home stand against the Florida Marlins. “It’s obviously tough to watch the team struggle when you think you can get in there and do something.”

The Astros are 3-9 after Sunday’s win over the Chicago Cubs.

“If he feels good after tonight I think it’s safe to say he’s close to being ready to be activated,” said Astros assistant general manager Ricky Bennett, who was in town for the weekend. “I just sent a text to (Astros general manager) Ed Wade and it’s my understanding we’re ready for Tuesday.”

The hope is to inject the same offense into the Astros as he did with Round Rock.

“He swung the bat well and I thought he ran the bases well,” Bennett said. “He brings energy and life to a lineup and I’m hoping he does the same thing for us.”

Berkman was personally happy with the weekend and enjoyed giving out any mentoring to the young Astros’ prospects, evidenced by throwing some hitting pointers to Express catcher Jason Castro during batting practice.

“That’s the thing I probably enjoy the most about the game – getting to talk to the younger guys – give them some of my experiences and some of the things that have helped me through the years and try to pass that on,” he said. “That kind of lights my fire and it’s my favorite thing about being around the game.”

With the big league star in town, he also provided the Outback Steakhouse post-game spread, something he was happy to provide. Something he remembered Billy Wagner did rehabbing in 1998 for Double-A Jackson while he was there.

“There are few little things that I guess you could say are etiquette for guys with rehab assignments and one of them,” he said. “I love just being in the clubhouse the last couple of days and getting around the guys.

“There is some talent here. I think there are some guys here that have a future in Houston or somewhere. It’s just good to see them at this stage when they’re young and learning.”

Posted on RoundRockExpress.com on April, 18, 2010.