Ty Wigginton has really been on fire the last two months as the Astros really are benefitting from his hot bat. In July and August, Wigginton is 43 for 126 (.341 avg) with 23 runs scored, 11 homers and 30 RBIs. With Carlos Lee out for the season it was very important for someone to step up and Wigginton has been that guy for them. Wigginton’s overall season numbers now look pretty good but they didn’t not too long ago. Wigginton has played in 86 games this season for the Astros and he is 88 for 292 (.301 avg, .914 OPS) with 41 runs scored, 16 homers and 43 RBIs.

The Houston Astros have claimed infielder Jose Castillo off waivers from the Giants. Castillo can handle 2B so he could share time there with Mark Loretta while Kaz Matsui is out. He also started at 3B for the Giants before getting released. Castillo played in 112 games this season for the Giants and he was 96 for 394 (.244 avg, .671 OPS) with 42 runs scored, 6 homers and 35 RBIs. The 27-year old righty swinging Jose Castillo is trying to re-establish himself after being in the Pirates’ dog house the last couple of seasons. Castillo has now played in 577 games in his major league career and he is 478 for 1,886 (.253 avg, .675 OPS) with 207 runs scored, 39 homers, 216 RBIs and 13 stolen bases. This was a nice low risk signing for the Astros.

The Astros have placed starting 2B Kaz Matsui on the 15-day disabled list with a irritated disc. Matsui has played in 85 games for the Astros this season and he is 96 for 337 (.285 avg, .763 OPS) with 49 runs scored, 5 homers, 28 RBIs and 19 stolen bases. Mark Loretta will likely take over for Matsui at 2B and he’s a solid, steady veteran. Loretta has played in 80 games for the Astros this season and he is 57 for 211 (.270 avg, .731 OPS) with 23 runs scored, 4 homers and 33 RBIs. The Astros have recalled 28-year old righty swinging catcher/1B J.R. House from AAA to replace Matsui on the active roster. House has played in 119 games in AAA ball this season and he is 128 for 422 (.303 avg, .853 OPS) with 61 runs scored, 17 homers and 55 RBIs. House has also played in 1 game this season for the Astros and he is 0 for 1 with a RBI. House hasn’t had much of an opportunity to show what he can do in the majors but this could be his shot. House has played in 30 games in his major league career and he is 10 for 58 (.172 avg, .592 OPS) with 6 runs scored, 3 homers and 4 RBIs.

Brian Moehler has come out of nowhere to be the Astros’ most effective starting pitcher this season. He has pitched in 22 games (17 starts) for the Astros this season and he is 8-4 with a 3.83 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP. He attacks the strike zone and that has made him effective because he isn’t walking batters. Moehler was a mop up man in the bullpen for the Astros last season so they weren’t expecting much out of him for 2008 but he has been the rock of the pitching staff which is amazing. Here’s to hoping that he can finish the season strong as the Astros are really playing well as a team right now.

Carlos Lee will miss the next 6-8 weeks after breaking his left pinkie finger. This could be the injury that causes the Astros to finally start pawning off some veterans in trade as Lee is not replaceable. Lee has played in 115 games for the Astros this season and he is 137 for 436 (.314 avg, .937 OPS) with 61 runs scored, 28 homers, 100 RBIs and 4 stolen bases. Lee also only whiffed an amazing 49 times this season which is incredible for a player with his power. The Astros will shift Darin Erstad from CF to LF to replace Carlos Lee. Erstad has played in 101 games this season for the Astros and he is 55 for 197 (.279 avg, .687 OPS) with 30 runs scored, 2 homers and 19 RBIs. Michael Bourn will retain his old starting gig in CF from Erstad. Bourn has played in 100 games this season for the Astros and he is 82 for 358 (.229 avg, .583 OPS) with 42 runs scored, 4 homers, 16 RBIs and 33 stolen bases. Having Erstad in LF will improve the Astros’ defense as Lee is not a good defender but his bat will certainly be missed big time by the Astros.

The Astros have designated Chad Paronto for assignment to make room on the active roster for LaTroy Hawkins. Paronto has pitched in 6 games (0 starts) for the Astros this season and he is 0-1 with a 4.35 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP. It will be interesting to see if Paronto will accept a assignment to AAA or if he will become a free agent.