Houston @ San Diego preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 28, 2012 ) San Diego 7, Houston 3

Two of the worst teams in the majors meet when Houston visits San Diego for a three-game set, with the Astros hoping to win their first game since the All-Star break. Houston has lost 13 of its last 14 games and 13 straight on the road, one short of the franchise record. The team is desperate for good news after placing both shortstop Jed Lowrie (leg) and catcher Jason Castro (leg soreness) on the disabled list Sunday. Castro could return in about a week, but the Astros are waiting to learn more about Lowrie’s status. Marwin Gonzalez is expected to get most of the starts with Lowrie out.

The buzz is more promising in San Diego, which took two of three against the Dodgers over the weekend. The Padres have gone 16-13 since June 12 behind the play of young infielders Alexi Amarista, Everth Cabrera and Yasmani Grandal. The team has been especially pleased with Amarista, who was acquired from the Angels for reliever Ernesto Frieri on May 3. He’s hitting .276 in 43 games since the trade with four home runs and 18 RBIs, and the Padres have used him at second base, third base, shortstop and all three outfield positions.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FS Houston (Houston), Fox Sports San Diego (San Diego)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH J.A. Happ (6-9, 5.14 ERA) vs. Padres RH Kip Wells (1-2, 2.50)

Happ gave up seven runs over 6 1/3 innings against the Brewers last Friday, losing for the sixth time in his last eight starts. He's 1-2 with a 2.74 ERA in four career games (three starts) against San Diego. Happ has struggled with a 1.49 WHIP, but he has 94 strikeouts in 98 innings.

Wells has delivered a quality start in two of his three outings, but he’s walked eight with just seven strikeouts over his 18 innings. He gave up five runs (two earned) in five frames against the Astros on June 26 in his first major league start since 2009. He’s 4-10 with a 5.26 ERA in 21 career games (19 starts) against Houston.

WALK-OFFS

1. Houston scored only five runs and struck out 34 times during its three-game sweep by the Giants over the weekend.

2. Padres closer and All-Star Huston Street has not allowed a run in his last 11 appearances covering 10 1/3 innings.

3. The Astros have the youngest roster in the NL with an average age of 27.3.