Astros’ Roy Oswalt wants to be traded

Astros ace Roy Oswalt wants out of Houston.

General Manager Ed Wade said Oswalt’s agent, Bob Garber, contacted owner Drayton McLane this week to make the request. When asked if it was a request or a demand, Wade said that distinction didn’t matter.

“Roy’s contract has a no-trade clause, not a trade-me clause,” Wade said. “There is no rule that allows a player in his contract status to demand a trade. So demand, request, hold your breath until you turn blue, it’s all the same. It’s acknowledged and noted.”

The 32-year-old Oswalt recently said he would be willing to waive his no-trade clause.

Wade said he wants to win with Oswalt on the Astros. Houston entered Friday night’s game against Tampa Bay with the worst record in the National League at 14-27.

Etc.

New York Mets pitcher John Maine is heading to the disabled list because of right shoulder weakness, a day after being pulled from his start after only five pitches and getting into a dugout spat with Manager Jerry Manuel.

Maine spent three months on the disabled list last year because of a tired right shoulder.

St. Louis Cardinals reliever Blake Hawksworth has a groin injury that the team will try to remedy with rest.

Manager Tony La Russa said he’ll try to avoid using the right-hander during a three-game interleague series against the Angels, but he thinks Hawksworth could be available after that. The Cardinals have a day off Monday before starting a six-game trip.