Carter looking at more time at first base, DH

HOUSTON -- The Astros plan to give Chris Carter most of his playing time at designated hitter and first base now that they have so many versatile outfield options with the addition of Trevor Crowe and Jimmy Paredes.

Carter is hitting just .207 and ranks first in the Major Leagues in strikeouts, but he leads the team with six homers and has 14 RBIs. He's made 15 starts in left field, one at first base and was in the lineup at DH for the 14th time on Tuesday against the Angels.

"Having Robbie Grossman, Brandon Barnes and now J.D. Martinez back off the disabled list and Paredes here, it gives us some options to have better defensive options out there on a regular basis," manager Bo Porter said. "But at the same time, you want to have Carter's bat in the lineup. He's a guy who can change the game with one swing."

Following a six-game stretch in which he hit .462 with four homers and seven RBIs, Carter entered Tuesday hitting .152 with two homers and seven RBIs in his last 20 games. He had struck out 33 times in his past 66 at-bats.