In month-long funk, Carter held out of lineup

HOUSTON -- Astros outfielder/designated hitter Chris Carter was out of the starting lineup for the second consecutive game Wednesday as he continues to work through his slump. Entering Wednesday, he was in a 10-for-74 (.135) funk since July 4.

Manager Bo Porter said he and Carter had a good meeting Tuesday, and the skipper made him aware he was going to have a few days off, including Thursday's off-day.

"He's worked extremely hard in the cage, watching video with [hitting coach] John Mallee, and it was more like kind of take a break and take a step back and really evaluate things in which he was doing and also look at some of the things he wasn't doing well and why he was in the funk he's in," Porter said. "With the off-day, it almost gives him three days off and he'll be back in there on Friday."

Carter has proven to be a streaky hitter.

"I think our staff is figuring out ways to work with him and get him through the downswing more quickly," general manager Jeff Luhnow said. "We know what kind of power he has and game-changing bat he has. We just need to see it a little more consistently."