It looks like Backe is out for at least six weeks, and he could be lost for the season. Link. But this quote from Pupura is more telling. The Astros could be in trouble. They got off to a decent start, but were able to play their first six against Flordia and Washington which might be two of the worst teams in the NL. The rotation is now Oswalt, Pettitte, Wandy Rodriquez, Taylor Bucholtz and Ezequiel Astacio. That back-end just doesn't inspire fear in anyone. I don't think the Astros offense is good enough to compensate for that rotation. Pettitte and Oswalt should be fine, but the Astros are going to struggle to stay at .500 unless Clemens rides in on the white horse to save them.