Deduno placed on DL as McCullers called up

HOUSTON -- The Astros placed right-hander Samuel Deduno on the 15-day disabled list Monday with a lower back strain in a move that's retroactive to Thursday. His spot on the 25-man roster was taken by right-hander Lance McCullers Jr., who made his Major League debut against the A's on Monday at Minute Maid Park.

Astros manager A.J. Hinch said Deduno felt stiffness in his lower right back after throwing two innings in relief of Brett Oberholtzer on Wednesday against the Giants.

"I think it's just something we couldn't trust he was going to be available," Hinch said. "We tried to get him off the mound yesterday, and it wasn't comfortable for him. … We hope it's not going to disrupt him too deep into the season, but we'll get him shut down from throwing a couple of days to calm his back down, and we'll get him back up and running again." 

To make room for McCullers on the 40-man roster, the Astros transferred shortstop Jed Lowrie to the 60-day disabled list from the 15-day disabled list. Lowrie had thumb ligament surgery and is out until after the All-Star break.

Deduno has appeared in nine games for the Astros this year and is 0-1 with a 6.86 ERA. He's been used mostly in long relief, though he started two games and was 0-1 with an 11.42 ERA in 8 2/3 innings in that role.

• The Astros traded Minor League left-handed pitcher Chris Lee to the Orioles in exchange for international slots 46 and 76 for the 2014-15 International Pool. Lee was 3-2 in seven appearances (six starts) at Class A Quad Cities this season.