Springer expected to return on Friday
Out of the six Astros on the disabled list, center fielder
George Springer (left thumb sprain) remains the closest to returning, manager A.J. Hinch said Tuesday.
Springer ran the bases and launched several rockets into the left-center balconies during batting practice at Minute Maid Park before Tuesday’s game against the Colorado Rockies.
Hinch expects Springer to return Friday in Oakland, Calif., when the Astros begin a ninegame trip to play American League West opponents. Although second baseman
Jose Altuve (right knee soreness) ran on a treadmill Monday, Altuve did not take batting practice on the field Tuesday. Hinch said he does not yet have a feel for whether Altuve will be healthy enough to play during the road trip.
The organization scheduled reliever Chris Devenski (left hamstring tightness) to pitch an inning for the Class AAA Fresno Grizzlies on Tuesday night. Hinch said Devenski “potentially” will pitch another inning in the minors Friday but could be called back to the majors depending on the evaluation.
Starter Lance McCullers Jr.
(right elbow discomfort) made some progress by playing catch at Minute Maid Park. Hinch has not decided on whom the Astros will start in McCullers’ spot in the rotation or if they will have to find a replacement.
Catcher Brian McCann (right knee discomfort) will join the Grizzlies in Tacoma, Wash., on Thursday to start his rehab assignment.
Jake Marinsick (left groin discomfort) remains unlikely to return until September.
Catching situation a work in progress
With Brian McCann (right knee discomfort) expected to begin his rehab assignment with the Class AAA Fresno Grizzlies for a road game in Tacoma on Thursday, manager A.J. Hinch inches closer to juggling a trio of catchers on the major-league roster.
While McCann has been sidelined since July 1, Max Stassi rose and slumped and Martin Maldonado ingratiated himself with the Astros after his trade.
Each catcher presents distinct advantages: McCann is a veteran winner, Stassi has flashed power, and Maldonado is one of baseball’s best fielding catchers.
On Tuesday, Hinch said he has not decided about how to divvy up playing time.
“That has to play itself out with a lot of hypotheticals and whatifs,” the manager said. “Is McCann feeling great or not feeling great? How’s Martin handling the pitching staff ? Has Stassi bounced back from this lull, and what can he offer? It will be some form of a time share. I don’t have a preconceived plan in August.”
McCann will start as a designated hitter and ramp up to catching a full game, similar to the way he might during Spring Training, Hinch said.
Hinch did not estimate how many games it could take McCann to feel ready for major league action again, but Hinch marveled at how good McCann has felt since his knee surgery.
“This is the best he’s moved around in my couple years with him,” Hinch said. “This is the best he’s felt post one of these procedures. It’s nice to see him bouncing around.”
Stassi is batting .189 with 15 strikeouts in 59 plate appearances his last 21 games. He hit one home run in his previous 32 games. Hinch attributed the skid to poor pitch selection.
Maldonado got his ninth start since joining the Astros on July 27. He has met the high expectations of being a great defender, according to Hinch. Hinch was particularly impressed with how well Maldonado caught Alex Presley for the first time, without any prior bullpen session or practice, during a game in San Francisco.
“He offers a lot behind the plate that most people don’t see,” Hinch said. “It’s as simple as shorting secondary leads to his interaction in the dugout with the pitchers.
“I can’t take for granted how difficult it is to catch a brand new pitching staff in the middle of the summer. He’s spent more time in the video room with our pitchers than he has anywhere else.” Maldonado matched up with
Justin Verlander for a third consecutive start Tuesday night, but Hinch insisted that their pairing did not have to do with the starting pitcher.
“He’s not Verlander’s personal catch,” Hinch said with a grin. “I’ve kept my streak alive of not having a personal catcher for anybody.”