Brantley’s shoulder needs second exam
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Michael Brantley left the Astros and returned to Houston on Thursday to have his right shoulder reanalyzed, but manager Dusty Baker did not go so far as to call the situation a setback.
“Not a setback. It’s just not a go forward,” Baker said before the team’s series finale against the Angels.
Brantley went on the injured list June 27 and has missed Houston’s past 15 games. The veteran outfielder tried to swing a bat earlier this week but “it didn’t feel right,” Baker said. It’s unclear if Brantley is shut down from all other baseball activities.
The latest development makes it unlikely Brantley would be available for the Astros’ post-AllStar break doubleheader against the Yankees on July 21. Given the amount of time Brantley has missed, it’s almost certain he’ll need a minor league rehab assignment when he’s ready to resume swinging a bat.
Baker is using a combination of Chas McCormick, Jose Siri and Aledmys Díaz in left field during Brantley’s absence. Siri started there Thursday night behind starter Framber Valdez.
Altuve leaves after being hit
Astros second baseman Jose Altuve exited Thursday's game against the Angels with a left leg contusion after being hit by a pitch during the first inning.
Angels starter Reid Detmers plunked Altuve with the first pitch he threw — an 85 mph slider that struck Altuve's left knee. The team listed Altuve as day-to-day but did not specify whether he required X-rays or any other imaging.
“He’s going to be sore," Baker said after Houston's 3-2 win. "It hit him right below the bone of the knee on the side. He was going to be off tomorrow anyway — a number of guys are going to be off — but I hope he’ll be OK on Saturday and Sunday.”
After being hit, Altuve had a noticeable limp down the first base line, but shooed trainers away when they emerged from the dugout. Altuve remained in the game to score Houston's first run but did not return to play defense in the home-half of the first. Mauricio Dubón replaced Altuve at second base.
Travel forces tight turnaround
The Astros’ hellacious travel schedule Thursday night will produce a Friday lineup littered with substitutes.
Houston played its series finale against the Angels at 7:07 p.m. Central time. The team’s initial travel itinerary had it returning to Minute Maid Park around 4:45 a.m. Friday morning — roughly 15 hours before first pitch of a game against the A’s at Minute Maid Park.
“I’ve already got my lineup set, but I have to talk to the guys and explain,” Baker said before Thursday’s game. “This is tough travel, real tough. It’s especially tough on the older guys. You might have an allyoung lineup tomorrow.”
Houston’s three oldest position players are Altuve, catcher Martín Maldonado and first baseman Yuli Gurriel. Baker confirmed Altuve will sit out Friday after leaving Thursday’s game with a leg contusion.
José Urquidy is scheduled to start Friday’s game. Rookie Korey Lee will conceivably catch him.
Space Cowboys’ skid continues
Reliever Brett Conine gave up seven runs in the seventh inning as Reno defeated Sugar Land 9-0 at Constellation Field to hand the Space Cowboys their sixth straight loss.
Sugar Land managed just five hits, including two by designated hitter Lewis Brinson.