Springer returns after 10 days on the DL
OAKLAND, Calif. — Prior to their series opener against the A’s, the Astros activated George
Springer from the disabled list, returning a middle of the order presence at the top of a struggling lineup.
After sustaining a sprained left thumb on Aug. 5 against the Dodgers, Springer spent only the requisite 10 days on the DL. He missed eight games, five of which featured two or fewer runs from the lineup he vacated. The Astros went 3-5 in Springer’s absence.
“We need him. We’ve missed him at the top of the order with the energy he provides, the presence he provides and just the overall (package),” manager
A.J. Hinch said. “When the lineup turns over and you have the threat of a middle of the order bat at the top of the order, it’s a great advantage.
“It’s a welcome return on so many levels with George.”
Derek Fisher was optioned to Class AAA Fresno following Wednesday’s 12-1 win against the Rockies as a corresponding move.
Altuve inches closer to activation
Three hours before the Astros opened a pivotal series against the A’s, with a crowd of trainers and almost the entire coaching staff as witnesses, Jose Altuve underwent a battery of on-field tests to determine his status.
He had batting practice for a second consecutive pregame. Manager A.J. Hinch hit the reigning American League MVP fungo ground balls to varying depths at second base. Altuve creeped in on the grass and fielded them out toward right field, where he may be positioned in a shift.
Third-base coach Gary Pettis simulated baserunning scenarios — waving Altuve from second base into home on a few occasions then stopping him at third base for others. Changing directions is key for Altuve while he combats the right knee soreness which sent him to the disabled list for the first time in his career.
“It feels really good to go out there and run, hit and catch some ground balls. I’m really happy with how I feel,” Altuve said. “I had probably my best day. I feel really, really great.”
Should Altuve awake Saturday morning with no ill effects, the club is optimistic he can depart for a rehab assignment. Altuve’s now missed 18 straight games, dashing any hopes of an activation without minor league atbats.
“We feel like he’s been off long enough that he needs to get out and get to a game,” Hinch said. “You can run really controlled practice drills all you want, but when you’re out three weeks with a lower extremity injury, it can be a lot of unknown.”
The most logical option exists with Class AAA Fresno, which plays a four-game series in Tacoma this weekend. The Astros, of course, begins a three-game series in Seattle on Monday.
“That would be pretty quick,” Hinch said of Altuve’s rehab assignment. “Ultimately, (Altuve could) rejoin us even on this trip.”