Valbuena to undergo season-ending hamstring surgery

Houston Astros third baseman Luis Valbuena will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a tendon in his right hamstring, the team announced on Tuesday.

Manager A.J. Hinch told reporters that Valbuena's absence will be felt, especially his offensive ability.

"We're going to miss his contribution. He was really a big part of our lineup, just given how good he was at bat control, how good he was at controlling the strike zone," Hinch said.

"He swung at strikes and did some damage. He really recovered from a difficult April for him. But again, it's the next-man-up mentality where someone has to come up and get the at-bats."

Valbuena, who has been out since July 27, had a setback in his recovery on Aug. 19 during his rehab assignment. The 30-year-old was having a productive season before his injury, hitting .260/.357/.459 with 13 home runs and 40 RBIs.

In his absence, the team has relied on top prospect Alex Bregman, who has been heating up as of late, hitting .375/.412/.813 in his last seven games.