The Houston Astros’ injured list remains crowded, but there is meaningful progress on several fronts.
Jose Altuve took 30 swings Monday and fielded ground balls Tuesday at the team’s facility in Florida, manager Joe Espada confirmed—a significant step in his recovery from a Grade 2 left oblique strain. “He’s hacking,” Espada said. “He looks good.” The plan is to increase Altuve’s baseball activities in the coming days. A timeline for his return remains unclear.
Hunter Brown made his first rehab start May 24 for Double-A Corpus Christi, throwing two scoreless innings on 35 pitches with five strikeouts. His next start is scheduled for this weekend with Triple-A Sugar Land as the Astros continue building his pitch count toward the 75-pitch target required before he can be activated from the 60-day injured list. A return in mid-June remains the target.
Josh Hader threw one scoreless inning in his seventh minor-league rehab outing May 24 at Corpus Christi, striking out two. The closer has been sidelined since March with left biceps tendinitis and is reported to be approaching a return to the major-league club.
Joey Loperfido went 0-for-2 with two strikeouts in his first rehab game May 24 at Corpus Christi. The outfielder also fouled a ball off his foot, which bears monitoring.
Taylor Trammell returned to the active roster and started in left field Tuesday night in Arlington, going 1-for-2 before being lifted for a pinch-hitter.
Lance McCullers Jr. remains a no-throw as he continues to deal with right shoulder inflammation, with no timeline for his return. Catcher Yainer Diaz, sidelined since May 5 with a left oblique strain, also has no announced timeline for his return.
Ronel Blanco, who has been on the injured list since Opening Day with right elbow surgery recovery, was transferred to the 60-day IL, freeing a 40-man roster spot. Carlos Correa remains out for the season following ankle surgery.
Heading to Daikin Park soon? Check the Astros promotions schedule before your next game.