Astros injury updates

The grind of a 162-game season takes its toll on even the most conditioned bodies. And, like most teams, the Astros are experiencing their share of injuries down the home stretch. Jason Castro, arguably the team’s MVP in 2013, has already been shut down for the remainder of the season.

Castro had a cyst removed from his right knee on Thursday and the Astros expect him to recover quickly. Castro should be able to start working out again soon and his offseason regimen shouldn’t be compromised.

Jarred Cosart has also been shut down for the season. Between the majors and minors combined, Cosart established a career high in innings pitched with 153 this season. The Astros leader in pitching WAR is sitting out the final three weeks strictly as a precautionary measure.

J.D. Martinez, out since July with a left wrist injury, was recently re-activated and got the start at DH last night in Cleveland. Martinez had made a few pinch-hitting appearances and saw some late inning action in the outfield, but this was his first start since coming back from the disabled list. J.D. says he is still trying to shake the rust off and plans on playing winter ball, perhaps in Venezuela or the Dominican Republic.

Matt Dominguez is back in the Astros lineup today, hitting in the 3-spot. Matty D missed Friday’s game after being hit on the left hand by a pitch the night before.

Catcher Max Stassi has resumed baseball activities and could be back with the club any day. Stassi is currently working out at the Astros training facilities in Kissimmee with the Instructional League players. Stassi suffered a concussion exactly a month ago when he was hit by a pitch. The injury occurred only two days after Max was called up from AA Corpus Christi.

Robbie Grossman hasn’t played since September 3rd due to a strained right oblique. Yesterday, Grossman hit off a tee for the first time since the injury but he is still nowhere close to returning. The Astros are likely to take a cautious approach with their young outfielder and I would be surprised to see Grossman back on the field again this season.

Matt Dominguez and Robbie Grossman (Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports)