Carter working with Astros to break out of skid

MINNEAPOLIS -- Astros manager Bo Porter said outfielder/designated hitter Chris Carter has been putting in extra work in the cage with hitting coach John Mallee in recent days in an effort to try to break out of his slump. Carter was 3-for-38 (.079) entering Sunday's game against the Twins.

"He's started to get out of his legs a little bit, and it's something Mallee and I have talked about," Porter said. "I know they spent time the last couple of days down in the cage. I thought he swung the bat really well [Saturday]. He didn't have any hits to show for it, but he barreled some balls up.

"The work him and Mallee are putting in, in the cage, getting him back into his legs, that will get him back on track. It's time for the streak to go the other way."

And when Carter gets hot, he is as dangerous as it gets. He leads the club with 19 home runs and 46 runs scored, and he is second on the team behind Matt Dominguez with 51 RBIs. He has set career highs in nearly every offensive category this year.

"When he's hot, he can carry us," Porter said.