A’S: Cotton (blister) may not start Thursday

weren’t able to push any runs across. In the fifth Springer and Altuve hit consecutive singles with no outs before Correa walked to load the bases. The Astros tied it at 1-all when Evan Gattis grounded into a double play which scored Springer. TRAINER’S ROOM

Melvin said that they aren’t sure if RHP Jharel Cotton will be able to start on Thursday because of a blister on his right thumb. Melvin said he would know on Wednesday if they need to push his start back. ... SS Marcus Semien (right wrist surgery) is on a rehabilitation assignment with Single-A Stockton. Melvin said Semien, who has been out since April 15, will be off on Wednesday before increasing his playing time to nine innings on Thursday. He’ll likely need between 35 and 50 at-bats in the minors before coming off the DL.

RHP Collin McHugh, who hasn’t played all season because of an elbow injury, is scheduled to make a rehabilitation start for DoubleA Corpus Christi on Friday. McHugh will need several starts in the minors before he’s ready to come off the DL and likely won’t pitch for the Astros until after the AllStar break. ... RHP Charlie Morton (strained back muscle) allowed two hits and no runs in four innings in his second rehabilitation start for Triple-A Fresno on Tuesday night.

SUPER SPRINGER Springer’s home run was his 23rd this season which is the most by an Astro before the All-Star break since Lance Berkman had 24 in 2006. His 23 homers rank second in the American League behind New York’s Aaron Judge, who has 26. UP NEXT

RHP Jesse Hahn (3-5, 4.66 ERA) is scheduled to start for Oakland today. Hahn is 2-1 with a 7.00 ERA in four starts since he came off the DL on June 6.

RHP David Paulino (2-0, 5.04 ERA) will start for Houston today. The rookie’s last start was also against Oakland, when he allowed seven hits and three runs in 5 ⁄ innings, but did not factor into the decision in a 12-9 win on Thursday.