Astros injury update: Time for a momentary reprieve

While there are much more important issues along the Gulf Coast at the moment, a quick Astros injury update may be slightly helpful to our readers in terms of a momentary reprieve.

The Astros are about to return home following today’s game in Tampa, Florida against the Texas Rangers. But some of the players are still out on the disabled list.

First, let’s discuss Lance McCullers latest outing last night, which was good news for him and the Astros.

Lance McCullers in his rehab start tonight in AA: 5.0 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K. He built his pitch count to 60 (39 strikes).
— Jake Kaplan (@jakemkaplan) August 31, 2017

The Astros will need a healthy Lance McCullers to go far in the postseason. As of late, the starting rotation has produced a mixed bag of results. The goal now appears for McCullers to rejoin the Astros next week in Seattle.

Astros are hopeful Lance McCullers will be able to rejoin their rotation Tuesday or Wednesday at Seattle.
— Jake Kaplan (@jakemkaplan) August 31, 2017

If McCullers can regain his early season form, then the Astros will be in better shape to contend in October.

Next on the injury agenda is Carlos Correa, who should be making his return to the Astros lineup as soon as Sunday.

Carlos Correa will play his next rehab games Thurs & Fri with AA Corpus at Frisco. Astros will evaluate Saturday whether's he's ready Sunday
— Jake Kaplan (@jakemkaplan) August 30, 2017

Correa was in the midst of a MVP-caliber season – 158 wRC+ in 375 plate appearances – before he tore a left thumb ligament during a swing in a mid-July game. Like McCullers, the Astros need a healthy and effective Correa to have their best chance at advancing in the postseason.

Tony Sipp is also approaching a return to the majors when the rosters expand on Friday.

Tony Sipp joined the Astros in St. Pete today. It sounds like he will be activated Saturday with the first wave of September call-ups.
— Jake Kaplan (@jakemkaplan) August 31, 2017

Sipp’s return may not be high on the anticipation, but he would provide additional depth the bullpen.

Yuli Gurriel experienced a bout of knee soreness last night in Tampa, but he shouldn’t be on the shelf for too long. In fact, he could play in one of the two games on Saturday.

Hinch said his hope is that Yuli Gurriel (knee soreness) can play one of the Astros' games Saturday.
— Jake Kaplan (@jakemkaplan) August 31, 2017

Unfortunately, Evan Gattis will be placed on the disabled list courtesy of a ball off the wrist injury in Anaheim.

Evan Gattis is going back on the disabled list, this time with right wrist soreness. Astros trying to get Juan Centeno here to catch McHugh.
— Jake Kaplan (@jakemkaplan) August 31, 2017

Next: Astros: Make a Statement for Your City

I hope this injury update managed to provide you, the valued reader, a momentary reprieve from the devastation left by Hurricane Harvey. In a strange way writing this post was somewhat therapeutic to me. Please remember to keep everyone affected in your thoughts and prayers. Baseball is not important today. God bless!

**Statistics courtesy of Fangraphs**

While there are much more important issues along the Gulf Coast at the moment, a quick Astros injury update may be slightly helpful to our readers in terms of a momentary reprieve.

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