Astros injury update: The Dallas Keuchel watch continues

The Astros will likely be without the services of a bearded southpaw through the All-Star break.

While the Astros activated Lance McCullers from the ten-day disabled list Saturday, questions still abound in regards to the state of Dallas Keuchel‘s neck.

As you all may recall, Keuchel has been on the disabled list since early June with a pinched nerve in his neck. This has been his second trip to the disabled list with the same injury. He did go through a round of catch earlier last week for what that’s worth.

The latest update from Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle indicates that Keuchel will likely be out through the upcoming All-Star break in July.

This is not a surprising development as the Astros currently maintain a double-digit lead in the AL West. In fact, the team came away with a road series win Seattle this past weekend. And only 12 games are remaining on the schedule before the All-Star break commences.

So, the urgency may not be there yet to rush Keuchel back. And with the recurring nature of his pinched nerve injury, this is the course of action that makes the most sense.

However, Jake Kaplan posted a quote from manager A.J. Hinch in a subsequent tweet which noted a return for Keuchel before the break hasn’t been “ruled out.”

At the same time, it was noted in Kaplan’s quote by Hinch that the trend was “that way just by time.”

Regardless, the Astros clearly miss Keuchel’s presence.

And who wouldn’t?

After all, the southpaw has posted a 1.67 ERA in 75.2 innings. While the starting rotation has held their own since his absence, the Astros will eventually need Keuchel’s services.

Next: Astros: Trade scenario brought up on MLB Network

The starting rotation will likely look different before and after the break as Keuchel, Charlie Morton and Collin McHugh as inching closer to returns in July. And there is the trade deadline to consider.

**Statistics courtesy of Fangraphs**