Kemp enjoying occasional duty in center

Tony Kemp started in center field for the fifth time this season in Sunday’s 2-1 Astros win over the White Sox, a sign of the progress the natural second baseman has made to become a versatile option for manager A.J. Hinch.

George Springer, Sunday’s designated hitter, will continue to get the majority of starts in center field, but Kemp’s abilities as a capable backup gave the organization a tad more confidence in demoting center fielder Jake Marisnick in order to promote Kyle Tucker, who most likely will play in the corner outfield positions.

“I was able to help the team and contribute in the late innings,” Kemp said of his progression toward more playing time. “It’s good to know you’re appreciated and you’re valued. There’s a lot of superstars on this team, and it’s a blessing to be a small part of it.”

Kemp’s 76 innings in center is a small sample size to project his performance for the rest of the season, but he has been sufficient in spite of some inefficient routes. Kemp has caught 18 out of 20 balls within his range, according to Fangraphs, which rates him as an average center fielder.

“Tony has some makeup speed in the outfield where he can track the ball down,” Hinch said. “I’ve been impressed with his style of play, his approach, and willingness to do anything to catch a ball. He’ll slide. He’ll run into a wall. He’s got speed to make up the routes.”

Kemp, who is 5-6, said tracking fly balls at Minute Maid Park reminded him of playing high school football.

“Playing center field’s fun,” he said. “It’s almost like the football days in high school. You’re a free safety. You go out there and try to run every ball down and save some ERAs.”

After two years of trying to crack the major league roster, Kemp has affixed himself to it since being recalled from Class AAA Fresno on May 16. He is hitting .299 after going 1-for-2 with a walk on Sunday.

Hinch expressed his confidence to Kemp on Saturday.

“Going into the meeting, our communication has been really good this year,” Kemp said. “In ’16, it was OK. In ’17, it was better. This year I think we’ve been on the same page with a lot of decisions. It was tough coming out of spring training, especially getting sent down, but I felt like you just have to worry about your own path. You have to put your head down and work hard.”

Correa yet to start baseball activities

Monday will mark two weeks since shortstop Carlos

Correa (back stiffness) last participated in baseball activities.

Astros manager A.J. Hinch said Correa has progressed but that “he’s not advancing as fast as everybody is wanting or hoping or dreaming of. We’re just going to go day by day.”

The Astros have seven games before the All-Star Break, and Hinch said the team has not ruled out Correa’s returning to play in that span.

“There’s always this flirtation with more rest is better, and he’s going to get a break at the end of the next week anyway,” Hinch said.

“We feel like we’ve got it under control and he’s getting better, but similar to the last series, is it 5 percent better? Is it 10 percent better? He’s just not available. Until he starts hitting and throwing and taking grounders and doing all of that, we’re all up in the air.”

After missing his 12th consecutive game Sunday, Correa has not played in more than one-fifth of the Astros’ games this season.