Houston @ St. Louis preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 23, 2012 ) Houston 5, St. Louis 13

The Houston Astros have been largely irrelevant for several months, but they’re about to play a key role in the race for the second National League wild card spot. The Astros are set to begin a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals, who stand one game ahead of the Dodgers and 2 1/2 games ahead of the Brewers in the battle for the second wild card. The Cardinals and Astros meet again next week in Houston, and the Astros will also be facing contenders Milwaukee and Pittsburgh in the season’s final two weeks. St. Louis leads the season series 6-3 against Houston, which has gone 6-4 over its last 10 games but still owns the majors’ worst record at 48-99.

The Cardinals are 3-8 over their last 11 games, but are coming off a crucial 12-inning, 5-2 victory over the Dodgers on Sunday. Chris Carpenter, who has been out all season with thoracic outlet syndrome, will make his first start Friday against the Cubs. Carpenter’s return bumps Joe Kelly to the bullpen, while Lance Lynn will remain in the rotation. The Astros are hoping first baseman Brett Wallace will be available this week after missing Sunday’s game with soreness in his mildly hyperextended elbow. Scott Moore hit a two-run homer off Roy Halladay on Sunday while replacing Wallace, who is only 10-for-52 (.192) with one home run this month.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, FS Houston, FS Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Fernando Abad (0-4, 5.08 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Kyle Lohse (14-3, 2.81)

Abad is set to make his fifth major league start after allowing one run over 3 1/3 innings Wednesday against the Cubs. He has gone 0-4 with a 6.89 ERA in his four starts after working primarily as a reliever this season. Abad enjoyed success as a minor league starter, going 15-11 with a 2.37 ERA in 48 starts. He is 0-1 with a 10.38 ERA in five career relief appearances against the Cardinals.

Lohse has been impressive on the road this season, going 7-2 with a 3.34 ERA in 16 starts away from Busch Stadium. He is 9-8 with a 2.91 ERA in 18 career appearances (17 starts) against Houston. Lohse is 1-1 this season against Houston, winning his last start Aug. 22 when he allowed two runs over seven innings. He’s three starts shy of his career high (34) in games started.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals RHP Mitchell Boggs, who ranks first in the NL with 30 holds, is expected to be available after missing Sunday’s game with lower back tightness.

2. Astros RF Fernando Martinez is day-to-day with right knee inflammation.

3. St. Louis RF Carlos Beltran has hit safely in three straight games for the first time since Aug. 9-12.