Carlos Correa is working toward an improbable late-season return to the Astros. If he makes it back, he could find himself playing yet another position.
The Astros are considering using Correa at second base when he returns from left ankle surgery, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. Correa has never played second base in a major-league game.
Another Position for Correa
Correa played shortstop throughout his major-league career before moving to third base when he returned to Houston at the 2025 trade deadline. He made the transition with Jeremy Peña established at shortstop.
Second base would therefore represent another significant change for the veteran infielder—and another potential wrinkle for an Astros infield that already includes Peña, Isaac Paredes, and José Altuve.
For now, however, it is only a possibility. Houston has not announced where Correa would play if he is able to return.
Correa Getting Closer
A return at all would be remarkable. Correa underwent surgery May 11 to repair the peroneus brevis tendon in his left ankle, an injury initially expected to end his season. By Sept. 1, he had been cleared to swing, was running at about 95% intensity, and was fielding ground balls at third base.
His rehabilitation has continued to progress in West Palm Beach, Florida. Correa recently ran the bases and participated in batting practice and fielding work, with facing live pitching another significant step in determining whether a return this season is realistic.
There is little time left to complete the comeback. Houston entered Saturday with 14 regular-season games remaining and a three-game lead over Texas in the AL West.
Whether Correa can return—and how much he could contribute after more than four months away—remains uncertain. But the Astros are apparently thinking beyond whether he can make it back to how they might use him if he does.
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