Astros Carlos Correa to miss 6-8 weeks with surgery on thumb

The Astros will be without Carlos Correa until September, but they should be alright with the depth on the team.

The second worse outcome happened yesterday for the Houston Astros with Carlos Correa‘s injury. Initially reported as a jammed thumb, he was evaluated today which revealed a worse injury. Correa was diagnosed with a torn ligament in his thumb which requires surgery. He is expected to miss the next 6-8 weeks per Jake Kaplan.

While this could be a blow for the Astros playoffs hope, they have built enough of a cushion with the 16.5 game lead in the AL West. They also have Alex Bregman and Marwin Gonzalez to play shortstop. As a super utility player, Gonzalez is having an All-Star worthy season.

Look for Bregman to get some starts at shortstop when the matchup favors Colin Moran being in the lineup. Moran was called up to replace Correa on the active roster. After a change to his swing this offseason, Moran has a slash line of .308/ .373/ .543/ .916 at Triple-A. Moran already has 18 homers with 63 RBI.

Next man up.

A.J. Hinch told reporters before last night’s game that he doesn’t want to lock Gonzalez at shortstop. His value is a player who can play multiple positions. He will play shortstop, third base, and first base at times. Moran and Yuli Gurriel can both play first and third, so players will rotate around.

It takes a village to replace a player like Correa. Luckily, the Astros have that village with the depth in the minors and major league roster. Last night’s lineup featured Carlos Beltran batting cleanup for the Astros. Correa has been that guy for most of the season, so expect Evan Gattis and Beltran to hit fourth in the lineup.

Can’t replace Correa.

While it was only one game, the Astros were able to score six runs without Correa. With him missing, it could lead to slightly fewer runs scoring. Like last night, players like Gattis can step up and be the hero of the day in place of Correa.

The plan is that Correa will be able to return in September to ramp up for the playoffs. A rested Correa will be needed in the playoffs for the Astros to go deep in the playoffs. Until then, we will get to see what Moran can offer at the big league level. Moran may not play much, but if he struggles, the Astros have the depth to replace him. He could also become a trade piece as well.

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Here is hoping that Correa will recover in time because he is part of the Astros big three offensive stars. On most teams, this injury would be devastating. This team is special. Gonzalez played shortstop last night, who plays today is up in the air.

***Stats from Baseball-Reference***