Hall returns to lineup against Brewers

The Astros (7-12) open a stretch of 18 consecutive games against National League Central opponents when they face the Brewers tonight at Miller Park. It’s raining and 39 degrees in Milwaukee today, but the roof will be closed so thankfully there will be no delays.

The Astros went 45-33 against the NL Central last year, winning the season series from every team in the division except the Reds (5-10). They were 8-7 against the Brewers, including 3-6 at Miller Park.

Nelson Figueroa (0-2) will be trying to win his first game, facing right-hander Yovani Gallardo (1-1), who’s 7-2 with a 3.05 ERA in nine career starts against Houston. He has won each of his last four starts against the Astros, posting a 3.91 ERA.

Bill Hall, who was drafted by the Brewers and played for them from 2002-09, returns to Miller Park and will be in the starting lineup. Hall was out of lineup Thursday after spraining his ankle in New York.

Here are the lineups:

ASTROS

CF Michael Bourn — Hitting .345 with seven walks in his last 15 games.

SS Angel Sanchez — Has started every game at shortstop this year.

RF Hunter Pence — Leads the club in homers and RBIs.

LF Carlos Lee — Has gone 0-for-9 since snapping a season-long six-game hit streak.

1B Brett Wallace — Hit .417 in the three-game series against Mets.

3B Chris Johnson — Hitting .300 with three RBIs in last five games.

2B Bill Hall — Makes his first start since Wednesday, when he injured ankle.

C Humberto Quintero — Is in an 0-for-10 slump.

RHP Nelson Figueroa — Is 3-2 with a 4.19 ERA in 12 career games against Brewers (four starts).

BREWERS

2B Rickie Weeks

CF Carlos Gomez

LF Ryan Braun

1B Prince Fielder

3B Casey McGehee

RF Mark Kotsay

SS Yuniesky Betancourt

C Jonathan Lucroy

RHP Yovani Gallardo