Villar sidelined by sore right elbow

HOUSTON -- Astros starting shortstop Jonathan Villar could be out of action for a few days after he was struck on the right elbow by a pitch in Tuesday's win over the Angels. Villar was taken for X-rays, which were negative, but he had his arm heavily wrapped on Wednesday.

Villar said he was a little sore Wednesday and was told by the trainers not to do any throwing. Marwin Gonzalez started in Villar's place against the Angels.

"Obviously, it's going to be a little bit sore," Astros manager Bo Porter said. "It got him pretty good on the elbow. I think it's just a day-to-day thing and he should be fine, but we'll give him the day, and Marwin will play shortstop and hopefully it's something that's behind us tomorrow."

Villar is hitting .193 with five home runs and 17 RBIs, but has struggled lately. He's hitting .101 (7-for-69) with four RBIs and one extra-base hit in his last 22 games. Gonzalez has done a nice job as the team's backup infielder, entering Wednesday hitting .302.

"Marwin's been outstanding," Porter said. "Every time we've plugged him in, he's given us quality at-bats and solid defense, and he's done a tremendous job this entire year."