Round Rock are only 2 games behind Oklahoma with 7 remaining in their chase for the PCL’s National Southern pennant, but they’re gonna lose the league’s leading HR hitter just the same, writes the Houston Chronicle’s Jose De Jesus Ortiz.

The Astros recalled hot-hitting outfielder Luke Scott from Class AAA Round Rock on Monday after waiving relief pitcher Chad Harville.

Scott, 27, the Astros’ opening-day left fielder following a hot spring, struggled with big-league pitching in April and joined Round Rock on May 3, where he hit .286 for the Express with a Pacific Coast League-leading 31 home runs, along with 87 RBIs and 25 doubles.

“That hopefully will be an offensive boost for us,” general manager Tim Purpura said. “(Scott) has played very well. He leads the league in home runs. He’s really been steady. Hopefully, we’ll get some offense out of him. (His role) to be determined. I’m sure he’ll get some starts.”

Trying to make the jump to the majors straight from Class AA didn’t go well for Scott. After playing in 14 games and hitting only .154 (6-for-39) with one RBI, he was demoted to Round Rock.

The Astros have 38 players on the 40-man roster and 11 pitchers on the 25-man roster, leaving two slots to be filled soon. Class AAA Round Rock catcher Raul Chavez, who was taken off the roster last month, likely will be added to the 40-man roster soon.

A former Indians prospect, Scott’s final at bat for the Express resulted in an 8th inning 3 run HR Sunday night, giving Round Rock a 4-3 win over Nashville, former Mets reliever Scott Strickland collecting the save.