"For the first time in 22 days since the All-Star break, there was no Carlos Lee in the lineup, leaving the Astros without the only consistent piece in the middle.

"It's been since July 10 and he pinch-hit that day; I just thought this was a good day to do it," manager Brad Mills said, adding that it wasn't a sign of things to come. "As a staff we talked about maybe giving Carlos a rest at home but I thought it would be best today on the road more than it would be at home."

Lee leads the Astros in home runs and RBIs and is 1-for-6 in his career against Diamondbacks starter Daniel Hudson.

With Lee out of the lineup, Matt Downs played first base; J.D. Martinez made his first start in the cleanup spot, clearing the bases with a three-run homer in the first inning.

Although he won't be game-ready or even rehab assignment-ready by the time the Astros return home next week, Jordan Schafer made the trip to Arizona eager to get acquainted with his new teammates and get ready to be back by month's end."