"Hunter Pence was back on familiar ground Friday, patrolling right field again for the Astros.

Pence was in the lineup for Friday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays after a five-game absence that by his standards was close to an eternity.

Pence, who missed 13 games total in the previous three seasons, had been out since spraining his left elbow diving into first base June 17 in Los Angeles.

"Everything feels good," said Pence, who went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. "I'm good to go, and I'm excited about it."

Pence had a strong showing in batting practice Wednesday. Manager Brad Mills opted to sit Pence anyway, reasoning that the extra rest would do good. And as it turns out, Mills reports that the back tightness that bothered Pence in the most recent homestand has dissipated.

"Obviously, we're thrilled to get him back in the lineup," Mills said. "Those are the decisions you want. You want a guy to fight to get in the lineup like he does."

Downs on the way up

Brad Mills hinted that infielder and pinch hitter Matt Downs will be getting more regular playing time. Downs hit a game-winning, ninth-inning homer off Neftali Feliz on Wednesday and is 7-for-18 (.389) as a pinch hitter."