The Houston Chronicle is reporting that Buchholz has become the front-runner for the fifth-starter job with the Astros. The 24-year-old right-hander worked six scoreless innings against Detroit Monday, reducing his spring ERA to 1.96 in 23 innings. He's allowed 21 hits and four walks while fanning 11. He is the favorite over long-time knuckleballer Steve Sparks, rookie Fernando Nieve and others.
(Updated 3/28/2006)

Analysis: Buchholz was 6-0 with a 4.81 ERA in 14 starts and six relief appearances at Triple-A Round Rock in 2005. The former Phillies prospect has yet to appear in a major league game.