CHICAGO (AP) Houston Astros shortstop Julio Lugo will be out six weeks with a broken left forearm after being hit by a pitch from Chicago's Kerry Wood on Monday night.

"I couldn't get out of the way. It's hard - six weeks. What is that, the rest of the season?" Lugo said.

Batting with one out in the third inning, Lugo squared to bunt, then pulled the bat back to his shoulder, as if to swing away. As the pitch approached, the Houston leadoff man turned away and raised his left arm to shield himself. But the ball hit him, and a loud crack could be heard.

Lugo spun away from the plate, gripping his wrist, and fell to the ground. Astros manager Jimy Williams and a trainer ran out to check on him while home plate umpire Mark Carlson talked to Wood.

Lugo got up on one knee after a few minutes, and was able to flex his left wrist and fingers. He was taken to the Astros' clubhouse and replaced by Jose Vizcaino.

Wood leads the majors with a career-high 15 hit batters this season.

Wood called Lugo in the Astros' clubhouse after learning about the shortstop's broken forearm.

Lugo is hitting .261 with eight homer and 35 RBIs. The Astros trail NL Central leader St. Louis by three games.

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