MILWAUKEE -- Barring an unexpected need for Craig Biggio's services during Wednesday's game in Milwaukee, the second baseman will open the Astros' 11-game homestand on Thursday needing three hits to reach 3,000 for his career.

Biggio singled off Claudio Vargas in the third inning of the Astros' game with the Brewers Tuesday night at Miller Park, bringing the total to 2,997. The 20-year veteran will have the day off on Wednesday for the afternoon finale with the Brewers. He will be available to pinch-hit.

"I can still pinch-hit tomorrow and the game could go 20 innings, who knows?" Biggio said. "But I'm excited about [returning home] and I think the fans are, from what I hear. Hopefully, I can do my part still and get it done."

His single during Tuesday's 11-5 loss to the Brewers was his eighth on the current road trip, which began last week in Anaheim and continued in Arlington over the weekend. He was 3-for-5 on Sunday in the finale with the Rangers, moving to within four hits of the big milestone when the Brewers series began.

Biggio, who received a congratulatory visit from Commissioner Bud Selig before the game, is doing his best to remain reserved about the enormous feat he's about to accomplish.

"It just takes time," he said. "There's no magic button where you can say, 'Hey, I just want to get three hits.' You have to go out there and play. Guys make plays against you."

Biggio cannot predict when he'll get the big hit, but if past history is a factor, Friday may be the day. After all, June 29 appears to be a rather significant date in Biggio's career. He logged his first big-league hit on June 29, 1988, and in 2005, he set the modern day Major League record with his 282nd hit by pitch.