Houston Astros outfielder George Springer has been on the disabled list since July 2 due to a wrist injury, but the young slugger's return to the lineup appears to be on the horizon.
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Hinch: Springer Could Start Rehab Assignment This Weekend; OF Discusses Timeline
Wednesday, Aug. 26
According to MLB.com's Brian McTaggart, Astros manager A.J. Hinch expects the 25-year-old outfielder to take batting practice in Minnesota prior to Houston's game against the Twins Friday before potentially beginning a minor league rehab assignment over the weekend.
It is unclear how much time Springer will need in the minors before returning to the big club, but Hinch is certainly excited about the prospects of getting him back, per MLB Network Radio:
“If that’s what happens, that’s what happens,” Springer said, according to Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle. “Obviously, we’re going to have to see how it feels on Friday and go from there. It’s exciting (to potentially play games this weekend) but I know that I got to be smart about it too, kind of take it one day at a time.”
Springer has been trending toward a return of late, as he also took batting practice Tuesday before the Astros' 15-1 thrashing of the New York Yankees, according to the Astros' official Twitter account.
The 2011 first-round pick had been enjoying a solid season prior to breaking his wrist, as he was hitting .264 with 13 home runs, 29 RBI and 14 stolen bases in 75 games.
Despite his absence, Houston has maintained its spot atop the AL West standings, entering play Wednesday with a comfortable 4.5-game lead over the Texas Rangers.
The Astros have an extremely talented lineup anchored by the likes of shortstop Carlos Correa, second baseman Jose Altuve and outfielder Carlos Gomez. They also boast a ton of pure power, even without Springer, but adding him to the lineup in the near future will make life far more difficult for opposing pitchers, and it will likely solidify Houston's dominance in the AL West as well.
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