Wilton Lopez (elbow) is expected to be activated from the disabled list when eligible on April 29.

"The report is that as of right now, it shouldn't be longer than 15 days," Astros manager Brad Mills said. The 'Stros will go with Mark Melancon as their eighth inning man while Lopez is out.

Astros placed RHP Wilton Lopez on the 15-day disabled list with an ulnar nerve irritation in his right elbow.

Lopez has been dealing with soreness in the elbow for a little while, and it's undoubtedly contributed to his early-season struggles. It's not clear how long he'll be sidelined.

Wilton Lopez will have his sore right elbow examined by a team physician this weekend.

Lopez is battling some discomfort that is thought to be nerve-related. The Astros have no plans yet to place him on the disabled list and will keep him active until a medical professional tells them differently.

Wilton Lopez signed a one-year, $442,000 contract with Houston.

Lopez rebounded from an ugly 2009 debut by engineering an impressive 2010 campaign, finishing with a 2.96 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and a 50/5 K/BB ratio over 67 innings. If he comes close to matching those numbers this season, he will be one of the better bullpen bargains in baseball.

The Astros will limit Wilton Lopez's innings in the final three weeks of the season.

The rookie reliever is tied for 17th in the NL with 62 appearances this season. His innings total of 62 isn't anything too exorbitant, but he made just 37 appearances between the majors and minors last season, and Astros manager Brad Mills said Lopez has warmed up in the bullpen many times but not come in. Lopez has been terrific for the 'Stros this season, holding a 3.19 ERA and 1.08 WHIP while striking out 46 and walking just five.

Wilton Lopez notched his first major league save in a win over the Mets on Tuesday night.

Surprise. Before the game, Astros manager Brad Mills indicated that Brandon Lyon would get the call in a save situation, but he threw us all for a loop. The ninth-inning got off to a shaky start for Lopez, as he muffed a comebacker, however he quickly redeemed himself with a potentially game-saving play on a Chris Carter dribbler for the second out of the inning. He finally retired Jose Reyes on a pop-out to left field to end it. Lopez has flown under the radar in the Astros' bullpen this season, posting a 3.06 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and an impressive 39/5 K/BB ratio over 50 innings, so don't discount him as an option moving forward. He's at least worth a grab in deeper formats and NL-only leagues.

Astros recalled RHP Wilton Lopez from Triple-A Round Rock.

Lopez posted a 4.50 ERA and 1.50 WHIP over four appearances with the big cub last month.

Giants optioned RHP Wilton Lopez to Triple-A Round Rock.

Lopez spent about three weeks in the big leagues and made only four relief appearances. He'll leave behind a 4.50 ERA and 1.50 WHIP.

Astros recalled RHP Wilton Lopez from Triple-A Round Rock.

Lopez will catch a flight and head to Houston as soon as possible. He's going to pitch in middle relief for the Astros, who lost Sammy Gervacio to a right rotator cuff injury during Wednesday's game against the Giants. The 26-year-old Lopez had a 4.73 ERA in 110 1/3 innings last year at Triple-A.