Astros prepping for upcoming Interleague Play

HOUSTON -- Following Sunday's series finale with Tampa Bay, the Astros go on the road to visit the Nationals for two games starting on Tuesday, meaning there will be no designated hitter.

Astros manager Bo Porter said his pitchers have been taking batting practice for a few weeks. Most importantly, Porter said the pitchers have to get their bunts down.

"When you play Interleague games, you want to make it out healthy," said Porter. "You don't want one of those [pitchers] pulling anything or straining anything. But [Dallas] Keuchel can handle the bat, which is good.

"When you're in a National League game, if you're going to make an out, make it a productive out. At least move somebody 90 feet."