Encouraging reports on Corrrea, Diaz

Aledmys Diaz and Carlos Correa both were scheduled for rehab games Saturday with Corpus Christi and Round Rock, respectively, as both move closer to rejoining the roster.

Diaz, who was scheduled to play first base and left field for the Hooks, is on a day to day assessment by the Astros as he continues his lengthy recovery from a pulled left hamstring.

“Once he plays a few more games or maybe even one game, we’ll see if he needs more,” manager A.J. Hinch. “We’ll make an assessment (Sunday) on how he is doing and if he needs more time in the minor leagues. If he’s ready to come back, we’ll bring him back.”

Diaz struck out three times with a walk Friday in Corpus Christi’s game against Springfield.

Correa, meanwhile, is expected to play Saturday and Sunday, followed by a day off and perhaps two more games with Round Rock before he is scheduled to rejoin the Astros next Friday.

“He and I text every day, and we’ve talked to the coaching staff there,” Hinch said. “By video, he looks incredible.

“Sometimes you come off these injuries, and you can either catch your rhythm quickly or you need more time. It looks like Carlos came out looking really, really good. He’s playing with freedom, and there are no issues whatsoever, which is a good sign for him.”

Endurance remains a question, but Hinch said the Astros’ schedule, which includes upcoming days off on July 29, Aug. 5 and Aug. 8, “might be friendly” in helping ease Correa back to full speed.