Valbuena is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the A's, Jose de Jesus Ortiz of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

With the Astros facing yet another lefty in Felix Doubront, the sixth southpaw they've faced in their last seven games, Valbuena will head to the bench in favor of Chris Carter at first base. Valbuena has gone just 4-for-21 (all singles) so far in September, with his last homer coming back on Aug. 22.