Springer sits out again, should be back on Friday
SEATTLE — Though
George Springer was out of the Astros’ lineup for a third straight day with left quad tightness, manager
A.J. Hinch maintained optimism that the All-Star center fielder could return on Friday in Anaheim.
Springer, who was originally in Monday’s lineup before being scratched, was on deck to pinch-hit in the ninth inning of Tuesday’s 3-2 win over the Mariners. Prior to Wednesday’s 10-7 victory over Seattle, Springer ran “really hard” and informed Hinch he could play “at a reduced level.” But he remained on the bench.
“Whether that’s 90 percent, 80 percent or whatever,” Hinch said. “The recommendation is to give him another day, and then he has the day off, and we’ll aim for Friday. It’s always tricky when it’s below the 100 percent mode.
“Clearly, he’s available. But if he’s not able to go 100 percent, it’s hard for me to put him out there.”
Springer, Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa have not all started the same game since June 25.
Sidelined duo makes progress
Lance McCullers Jr. and Jake Marisnick are progressing rapidly in their injury rehabilitations, Astros manager A.J.
Hinch said Wednesday. While Hinch held his pregame meeting with reporters at Safeco Field, Marisnick ran the bases at full speed as the training staff watched. He shagged fly balls and took batting practice, too, inching closer to a rehab assignment.
Marisnick has spent the last 12 days on the disabled list with an injured groin.
“He’s getting close to going out this weekend,” Hinch said. “If he gets through that (pregame work), we’re going to feel pretty comfortable sending him out in the next couple days.”
McCullers could progress to throwing off a mound sometime this weekend. He has been on the disabled list since Aug. 5 with a forearm muscle strain he suffered while swinging a bat in Los Angeles.
The Astros have already ruled McCullers out until September.