Houston, TX -- (Sports Network) - Houston Astros second baseman Kazuo Matsui was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday with an irritated disc.

The move is retroactive to August 13.

The 32-year-old native of Japan is hitting .285 with five home runs, 28 RBI and 19 stolen bases in 85 games for Houston in 2008. It is his second stint on the DL this season, after sitting out in early July with a strained right hamstring.

To fill the open roster spot, the Astros purchased the contract of infielder J.R. House from Triple-A Round Rock. House is batting .303 with 17 homers and 55 RBI in 119 games for the Express this season.