Dexter Fowler returning Wednesday, George Springer still out

We’ve all been waiting for the Astros injured outfielders to return from the disabled list. For Dexter Fowler, it looks like that day has finally arrived. Fowler is scheduled to return to Houston this evening and should be activated for tomorrow’s game against the Twins.

After missing more than a month with a strained intercostal muscle, Fowler went 3 for 10 with a couple of walks in a 4-game rehab assignment with AAA Oklahoma City.

The news on George Springer isn’t as good. Working his way back from a strained quad muscle, the Astros’ rookie phenom has experienced a setback and will be shut down for an additional two weeks.

Springer will reportedly travel with the team on the upcoming road trip to the East Coast. The Connecticut native will have the opportunity to visit with family but will not be playing baseball. George hopes to be back in the lineup after the two week period has passed.

The third injured Astros outfielder, Alex Presley, will start a rehab assignment tonight with the Tri-City ValleyCats. Presley and the ‘Cats will be playing in the New York area, meaning if all goes well for Alex, it will be logistically easy to activate him while the Astros are playing in the region. The club starts a 10-game road trip Thursday with the first of four games in Boston. Then it’s on to New York for three games against the Yankees. The trip concludes with a 3-game set in Cleveland next weekend.

Getting Fowler back in centerfield and in the top third of the batting order should provide a much needed boost for an Astros club that has never won a game at Fenway Park. With four opportunities against a struggling Red Sox team, I like their chances of stopping that streak.