Houston Astros Injury Update: Latest News on Altuve, McCullers and Urquidy
There's more good news on the horizon for the Houston Astros, at least in terms of injury updates, as second baseman Jose Altuve is ahead of his recovery schedule and could return to the lineup by late May.
The update on Altuve comes on the heels of manager Dusty Baker announcing that both Michael Brantley and Chas McCormick would be returning to the team during Houston's road trip in Anaheim, which begins on Monday.
Altuve took batting practice on Saturday in Seattle for the first time this year since he fractured his thumb in the World Baseball Classic prior to the start of the regular season.
At this time, Altuve is about two weeks ahead of his timetable to return to the Astros and could be back with the team by late May if everything goes as planned.
Lance McCullers Jr. continues progressing towards June return
McCullers tossed a complete bullpen session on Saturday in Seattle for the first time since he sustained an elbow strain injury during a spring training bullpen session on Feb. 14.
According to MLB.com. McCullers "touched 90-mph twice" during Saturday's bullpen session and began his throwing program in March.
He's currently expected to be back with the Astros in June.
Jose Urquidy still shut down, should be back in July
Unfortunately, Urquidy is still in shut down mode and has been since an MRI revealed inflammation in the pitcher's right shoulder on May 2.
Urquidy originally exited his start against the Philadelphia Phillies on April 30 following shoulder discomfort and hasn't thrown a baseball since that time.
He's currently on the 15-day injured list but will likely be out until July.
The Astros are currently 17-16 on the season and sit in third place in the American League West behind the Texas Rangers (19-13) and Los Angeles Angels (19-15).
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