The Houston Astros placed pitcher Brandon Backe on the 15-day disabled list Thursday with a left intercostal strain. Backe was slated to start Thursday's game against the New York Mets. However the injury he sustained Monday while throwing in the bullpen continued to linger and forced Houston to shelve the righthander. The move is be retroactive to Monday, July 25, because Backe pitched in a 14- inning win on Sunday against the Washington Nationals. He totes an 8-7 record with a 4.93 ERA in 21 games. Houston recalled rookie Ezequiel Astacio from the club's Triple-A affiliate in Round Rock. Astacio started Thursday night's game against the New York Mets and received a no-decision in a the club's 3-2 win. Astacio allowed one run on four hits in six innings, striking out five and walking three.