Valbuena is out of the lineup Sunday against the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

As is typical of late, Valbuena will take a seat in favor of Chris Carter with a left-handed pitcher on the mound for the opposing team.

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.

Valbuena is out of the lineup Sunday against the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

Valbuena's absence Sunday likely relates to the lefty on the mound in Andrew Heaney. Marwin Gonzalez will replace him at first base, batting sixth for the Astros.

Valbuena is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Mariners.

EDGE Analysis

He will sit for a second straight day with the Astros facing another lefty in Roenis Elias, this time in favor of Marwin Gonzalez at first base. Predictably, Valbuena's power numbers have fallen off significantly in the second half, as he's managed only three homers in 98 trips since the All-Star break after swatting 19 in 286 at-bats in the first half.

Valbuena went 1-for-4 with a two-run double and a run scored in a 4-1 victory over the Twins on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Valbuena continues to rebound from a virtually lifeless July in which the power-hitting lefty failed to hit a single homer. The veteran third baseman has now hit safely in six out of his last eight games, and has posted two-RBI games in two of his last four contests. Although he has undeniably struggled to consistently reach base all year, Valbuena has managed a career-high in homers (22) in his first season in Houston.

Valbuena is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Rays. With Houston closing out the first half against left-handed Matt Moore, it comes as no surprise to see Valbuena out of the lineup. Unless he adds to his totals as a pinch-hitter, Valbuena will enter the break with 19 homers, 36 RBI, 43 runs and a stolen base, but with a .199/.285/.430 batting line.

Valbuena (toe) is back in the lineup Thursday against the Indians, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. Valbuena missed the last three games due to a sprained big toe, but he's back at his usual third base spot Thursday. He'll bat cleanup against Cleveland starter Cody Anderson.

Valbuena (toe) is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Indians. Valbuena sprained his left big toe over the weekend, and he'll remain out of the lineup for the third straight day. Marwin Gonzalez will draw another start at the hot corner in Valbuena's place.

Valbuena (toe) is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Indians. Diagnosed with a sprained toe following X-rays on Monday, Valbuena will be out of the lineup for a second straight game. Marwin Gonzalez will get the start at third base, while Valbuena can still be considered day-to-day.

Valbuena was diagnosed with a sprained left big toe following X-rays on Monday, Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle reports. With Valbuena day-to-day with the injury, Marwin Gonzalez will draw the start at third base for Monday's game against the Indians. The Astros will see how Valbuena progresses in the next couple days before determining if a trip to the DL is necessary, but with an extended gap in the schedule coming next week with the All-Star break, he wouldn't have to miss much action if the injury proves to be a short-term situation.