Gonzalez returns from strained right hamstring

ANAHEIM -- Marwin Gonzalez was back in the Astros' lineup, playing shortstop and batting ninth Monday night against the Angels.

Gonzalez had not started a game since May 17 while nursing a right hamstring strain.

"He was able to get extended treatment and I think he should be fine moving forward," Astros manager Bo Porter said.

Gonzalez was available off the bench for the past couple of days if there was an emergency , but Porter wanted to give the shortstop as much rest as possible and feels the time off was a major benefit.

"I think it was probably much better for him that we were able to stay away from him the length of time that we were able to stay away from him," Porter said. "Hamstrings can be tricky and you don't want to push it too soon and have a setback and then you're looking at a more extended period of time in which it can affect him."

Gonzalez was hitting .237 with 11 RBIs in 41 games entering Monday.