HOUSTON - The Astros retired Jeff Bagwell's No. 5 jersey before their game with the Pirates on Sunday.

"This is an amazing day," said Bagwell, who played his entire 15-year career with Houston. "To have your number retired, I really can't believe it."

Bagwell, a first baseman who entered the big leagues in 1991, finished with 449 home runs and a .297 average.

Craig Biggio, Nolan Ryan, Mike Scott, Jimmy Wynn, Brad Ausmus, Larry Dierker and Jose Cruz joined the ceremony, in which Bagwell was presented with three of his jerseys in large frames, as well as a golfing vacation to Scotland.

Bagwell's wife, two daughters and parents were introduced along with the team's top executives.

Owner Drayton McLane told him: "Thanks for being a champion."

Bagwell is the eighth former Astros player to have his number retired. The others are Ryan, Scott, Wynn, Dierker, Cruz, Don Wilson and Jim Umbricht.

HAMELS IMPROVING: Phillies left- hander Cole Hamels said his throwing elbow felt "normal" after playing catch with pitching coach Rich Dubee from 80 feet during the weekend.

The All-Star was placed on the 15- day disabled list Wednesday because of a strained elbow, a blow for a team in the hunt for the National League East title and the wild card.

The next test for Hamels will come Tuesday when he plans to throw off the mound. If all goes well, he'll toss off the bump Thursday.

ETC.: Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter has a sore right knee and was not in the starting lineup Sunday against the Tigers. "He's just beat up right now," manager Joe Torre said. . . . Rangers shortstop Michael Young wasn't in the starting lineup Sunday night against the Mariners because of muscle soreness in his back. . . . The Syracuse Chiefs couldn't catch a break Sunday night. They couldn't catch anything, actually. The Toronto Blue Jays' Triple-A affiliate made 10 errors, matching the most in the International League in 43 years.