KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) — When Kaz Matsui was in the lineup last season, Houston Astros manager Cecil Cooper thought his team was better.
The problem is keeping him in the lineup.
Matsui missed 65 games last season with various injuries and has played in 100 games just once since his rookie year because of health issues.
He's on a new back strengthening program that the Astros hope helps him avoid back problems that bothered him before he came to Houston.
Cooper also wants to be more in tune to not overplaying him when he's healthy and giving him days off when he can — something he says he didn't do enough last season.
The 33-year-old hit .293 with 26 doubles and 20 stolen bases in his first season with Houston after spending 2007 with Colorado. He's looking to make a bigger contribution this season.
He's set to bat leadoff this season with fellow speedster Michael Bourn batting behind him. With the power Houston has with Carlos Lee and Lance Berkman, Matsui and Bourn figure if they can simply get on base, the Astros offense will be in good shape.
