Worth noting

• Astros manager Bo Porter has been trying to work backup catcher Carlos Corporan into the lineup, but with Jason Castro putting together a strong season, it has been hard to find Corporan playing time.

"I try to do everything I can to keep him as sharp as possible," Porter said. "That's why there have been stretches where I've given him back-to-back days with one game catching, one game DHing. Obviously try to play him against all the left-handers depending where we are at schedule-wise. Part of that is to keep Castro fresh and the other part is to get Corporan enough playing time where he stays sharp."

• Left-handed-hitting first baseman Carlos Pena is 4-for-8 in the two games against the Angels, and Porter believes he is just getting started.

"Carlos has been great," Porter said. "He's going to hit his stride because he is a streaky hitter. He's a guy that can carry a ballclub. That's why today, even though it's a lefty [C.J. Wilson], he's in there. I feel like he's really on the cusp of breaking out and I want to keep him rolling, keep him in the lineup."

• Shortstop Marwin Gonzalez, who is nursing a slight strain of his right hamstring, is expected to return to the lineup on Monday.