Astros' Alex Bregman out with sore hand after hit by pitch

HOUSTON --Astros third baseman Alex Bregman was scratched from Wednesday's 4-2 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals because of a sore left hand after being hit by a pitch a night before.

Bregman remained in the game Tuesday night after being plunked in the hand in the first inning. X-rays were negative. He originally was in the lineup batting second and playing third base before being scratched about 75 minutes before first pitch.

The Astros already were without Kyle Tucker, with the right fielder missing a second straight game after fouling a ball off his right shin Monday night. Manager Joe Espada said Wednesday that Tucker was still really sore, but the Astros hoped he could return Friday.

Mauricio Dubón was moved from center field to third base with Bregman out, and Jake Meyersplayed center against the Cardinals.

Bregman had led Houston's offense in the past several games, hitting five home runs in the past eight games.