The Houston Astros placed Backe on the 15-day disabled list with a right ulnar collateral ligament sprain. It's the same injury that put him on the disabled list on April. Backe is 3-2 with a 3.77 ERA in eight starts this season. He allowed two runs and four hits in 6 1-3 innings on Friday against the Milwaukee Brewers, but did not receive a decision.
(Updated 8/19/2006)

Analysis: Backe's earlier stint on the disabled list lasted 86 games from April 14-July 22. He had made six starts since his return.