Astros go for 2 in a row against Padres

The Astros will try to win consecutive games for the first time this season when they send J.A. Happ to the mound in the second game of a four-game series against the Padres tonight at Minute Maid Park.

Earlier on Friday, the Astros placed right-handed pitcher Wilton Lopez on the 15-day disabled list — backdated to April 14 — due to irritation of the ulnar nerve in his right elbow.

To replace Lopez, the Astros have purchased the contract of 28-year-old right-handed pitcher Jose Valdez from Triple -A Oklahoma City. Valdez, who is scheduled to arrive at Minute Maid Park today, is 1-0 in three relief appearances for the RedHawks with a 2.45 ERA and two saves.

Valdez earned his second save of the season last night, hurling a scoreless inning in the RedHawks 6-5 win at Nashville (14 pitches, nine strikes). This will be the first Major League stint for Valdez, who will wear No. 60.

Here is today’s lineup:

CF Michael Bourn

SS Angel Sanchez

RF Hunter Pence

LF Carlos Lee

1B Brett Wallace

2B Bill Hall

3B Chris Johnson

C Humberto Quintero

P J.A. Happ