Astros get another injury scare with George Springer

Fortunately, the X-Rays were negative on Astros leadoff hitter George Springer’s hand.

The day after Lance McCullers left the game after four innings, the Astros get another injury scare. McCullers was sent back to Houston to be evaluated, but he joined the growing list of players on the DL. This list includes Brian McCann, Carlos Correa, Chris Devenski, and Jose Altuve. Correa has already started his rehab and could return to the lineup Thursday night if not sooner. All those players are former All-Stars.

About a week ago, we got a scare with George Springer when he dove for a catch and appeared to injure his shoulder. After that game in Seattle, he tried to convince AJ Hinch that he was okay by doing jumping jacks. The Astros did not put him on the DL, but he did miss a game before returning to the lineup versus the Dodgers. This series, Springer was making Dodgers fans have flashbacks of his MVP caliber play last October.

In Friday night’s game, Springer had a two-run double, but he only got credit for one because of an error. They won that game 2-1. Springer had another RBI double during Saturday’s 12-0 beating of the Dodgers. He saved the best for game three as he led off the game with a homer on the first pitch of the game.

However, things changed in the bottom of the third inning.

After two strikeouts on Tony Kemp and Gerrit Cole, Springer walked. As Josh Reddick batted, we saw Springer try to steal second base. Unfortunately, he was tagged out for the final out of the inning. Instead of being mad at him for getting thrown out, baseball fans got really concerned. He was hurt and was grabbing at his left hand.

While we initially thought it was the base that causes the injury, it was actually the tag by Brian Dozier. Springer’s thumb had gotten tangled up with Dozier’s glove. After what happened to Jake Marisnick and Correa last year, you would think players would know not to slide head first. Springer would immediately leave the game with thumb discomfort. We thought it was the HEB commercial curse once again.

What’s the diagnosis?

Later after the game, Brian McTaggart reported that X-rays were negative on his hand. Anytime you hear negative results, there is a bit of relief, but Springer could still go on the DL. We hopefully have avoided the injury like Correa, and Mike Trout had last year, causing them to miss significant time. Depending on how he feels in the morning, the team could decide to play it safe and put him on the DL. Chandler Rome tweeted that more evaluation is underway. Could that be an MRI?

Knowing Springer, he will do whatever possible to avoid going on the DL. Some people on Twitter said that he is probably playing thumb war with Hinch to prove he’s okay. Should he go on the DL, the Astros could call Kyle Tucker or Derek Fisher back up. Luckily, they will be in San Fransisco, pretty close to Fresno.

Springer’s batting average has come down a little, but he is hitting .250 with 19 homers and 58 RBI via Baseball-Reference. As Springer goes, so goes the team. Hopefully, his absence will be minimal. Update: There are several photos of Springer at the airport heading to Houston on Twitter.