Strained hamstrings straining Astros’ bench

HOUSTON — The Astros have lost two players in the past two games to strained right hamstrings, and now their roster is becoming strained.

One day after infielder Luis Valbuena strained his hamstring running to first base, center fielder Carlos Gomez suffered the same injury sliding into second base in the second inning of Wednesday’s 4-1 win over the Yankees at Minute Maid Park. Both players are listed as day to day.

Considering they carry only 12 position players — and 13 pitchers — the Astros could be forced to make a roster move prior to Friday’s series opener in Detroit, or run the risk of having only one healthy position player on the bench. Houston manager A.J. Hinch conceded Valbuena was unlikely to play Friday.

“It’s not comfortable when the bench is pretty much empty with the exception of [Evan Gattis] as a pinch-hitter/catcher,” Hinch said. “We’ve got some fortunate timing, if I can call it that, because we’re expected to put [starting …

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