The lefthander was acquired in the trade that sent Don Sutton from Houston to Milwaukee in 1982. Over the next five seasons, DiPino posted a 13-25 record with 43 saves and a 3.65 ERA. He led the Astros with 20 saves in 1983.

In a mid-season deal, DiPino was traded to the Cubs in 1986 with Houston receiving former All-Star Davey Lopes to solidify their bench during the playoff stretch.