Happy Birthday - 7/19

RHP Wilton Lopez (29)
Originally signed by the Yankees as a NDFA out of Nicaragua, Lopez was selected off waivers from the Padres in April 2009. In 183 games for the Astros from 2009 forward, Lopez has a 10-10 record with a 3.32 ERA and a 1.220 WHIP. This season, he is 3-0 with a 2.29 ERA and a 0.962 WHIP in 34 appearances. He was the 11th Nicaraguan national to make it to the U.S. major leagues.

RHP Kirk Clark (24)
Signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2009, Clark is originally from Moline, IL and went to Creighton. In his second season at Lancaster, he is 4-4 with a 5.49 ERA, a 1.678 WHIP and 8 saves out of the bullpen. On the road (away from the Lancaster effect), he has a 3.15 ERA and six saves.

One former Astro with a birthday today ~

CF Preston Wilson (38)
Originally drafted by the Mets in the first round in 1992, Wilson came to Houston as a free agent in January 2006 and was released in August of that year after hitting .269/.309/.405 in 102 games. In 1999, he was second in Rookie of the Year voting to Reds pitcher Scott Williamson. In 2003, Wilson was an All-Star for Colorado.