Astros' Luis Valbuena: Expects to play Saturday despite sore back

Valbuena left Friday's game with lower-back tightness but is expected to play Saturday, the Houston Chronicle reports.

Analysis:

Valbuena felt he could have stayed in Friday's game after injuring his back during a second inning at-bat, but manager A.J. Hinch decided to remove him from the contest with the Astros already well ahead on the scoreboard. The Astros will confirm Valbuena's status for Saturday's game when they release their lineup several hours prior to first pitch.