Astros place Fowler on DL, call up 3 players

HOUSTON (AP) The Houston Astros have placed center fielder Dexter Fowler on the disabled list with a back strain and called up three players from Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Fowler, whose stint on the DL is retroactive to June 27, is hitting .270 with six homers and 24 RBIs.

Houston added left-hander Kevin Chapman, infielder Kike Hernandez and outfielder Domingo Santana.

Chapman a 0.94 ERA in 26 games in Oklahoma City. Hernandez hit .336 with nine home runs and 36 RBIs in 77 games between Double-A Corpus Christi and Oklahoma City.

Santana hit .304 with 13 homers and 52 RBIs for Oklahoma City this season. He ranks second in the Pacific Coast League in hits.

The Astros optioned shortstop Jonathan Villar to Oklahoma City and designated right-hander Jerome Williams for assignment after Monday night's game to make room on the roster.