"Hunter Andrew Pence isn't one to gloat about personal achievement. If he were, though, then this would be the season to gush about his success.

He ranks in the top five in the National League in hits (tied for 2nd), doubles (T-3rd), RBIs (T-4th) and batting average (4th). His 23-game hitting streak, was snapped on June 14, is the second-longest in the majors this season.

All that's fine when it comes to All-Star balloting, but it doesn't mean much to Pence if it isn't helping the Houston Astros win. And so far, it hasn't.

The Astros entered the 11th Lone Star Series against the Rangers on Monday with the worst record in baseball at 27-46. That's nothing to boast about, especially given your in-state rivals' first place positioning in the American League West.

To make matters worse, Pence wasn't even in the lineup to help the Astros in front of his home crowd. The Arlington High School graduate, who also attended UT Arlington, is day-to-day with a left elbow sprain.

Pence injured the elbow while attempting a head-first slide into first base in the sixth inning against the Dodgers on Friday. He immediately grabbed his elbow but remained in the game. He was scheduled to start in right field against Los Angeles on Saturday but was scratched from the lineup after he felt soreness while working in the batting cage.

Pence flew back to Houston on Sunday morning, and an MRI showed no tears or ligament damage."