Houston Astros outfielder George Springer hasn't seen MLB action since July 1. On that day he fractured his right wrist after being hit by a pitch from Kansas City Royals starter Edinson Volquez. Springer has been traveling with the team during his on-field absence and it's possible he returns soon.
It was initially speculated Springer could be back in six weeks, but at this point it's clear that's not going to happen. Four weeks into the recovery process, Astros' manager A.J. Hinch told Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle that Springer is "not doing anything really with his right hand." That's pretty much still the case, but he's now perhaps much closer to getting back on the field.
"Once the Astros get home - they're scheduled to fly back to Houston on Wednesday night after the second of two games with the Giants - Springer will shortly thereafter go for his six-week check-up," Drellich added. "That could give him clearance to start strengthening his right wrist."
Springer hopes he'll "get the clearance" from doctors to start using his wrist more extensively because that would be the next step to going on a rehab assignment. He's not sure how long it will take to go out on an assignment once he begins strengthening activities for his wrist, but he's being patient because his focus is on taking it "one step at a time."
The 25-year-old was batting.264/.365/.457 with 43 runs scored, 13 home runs, 29 RBIs and 14 stolen bases in 75 games before suffering the non-displaced fracture. During his absence throughout the month of July, the Astros ranked 16th in runs scored (104) as opposed to fifth in June (137), which was when Springer was batting .321/.387/.518 with 19 runs scored, 6 home runs and 12 RBIs in 29 games.
In the meantime, general manager Jeff Luhnow was active prior to the trade deadline and acquired outfielder Carlos Gomez from the Milwaukee Brewers to help fill the void left by Springer. Gomez has provided a presence on defense, but it still waiting to find his groove at the plate (.239/.271/.348 with five runs scored, one home run, four RBIs and four stolen bases in 11 games with Houston).
The Astros need Springer back as soon as possible. Although the team is in first place in the AL West, the Los Angeles Angels trail by only one game and the Texas Rangers aren't too far behind at 4.5 games back.
Stay tuned for updates on the latest reports/rumors regarding Springer in the next couple of days.
