The Houston Astros have scored just 87 runs this month, which ranks 25th in the MLB. Back in July they ranked 16th with 104 runs scored. The common denominator has been the absence of outfielder George Springer.
Springer fractured his right wrist in early July and has been out ever since. However, he took batting practice with his teammates on Monday for the first time since suffering the injury and previous rumors suggested he could return to the team soon.
Both Springer and general manager Jeff Luhnow spoke of the situation on Tuesday.
"There's a schedule and as long as there's no setbacks, we're in good shape," general manager Jeff Luhnow told Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle. "So far there haven't been. A setback could be right around the corner, so we're always cautiously optimistic, pushing him as hard as we can. But we need him back and I believe we'll have him back, hopefully, first week of September."
Drellich mentioned that it's possible Springer leaves to go on a rehab assignment during the team's road trip this week.
"(Good to) see the ball have some jump to it, but it's still early," Springer said after batting practice with the team on Tuesday. "I need to be able to kind of square it up more consistently. But that'll come.
"I'll hit again tomorrow and then hopefully from there I get to you know, go on to do some other things. So we'll see what happens."
Springer was hoping to receive clearance from doctors to go on a rehab assignment about two weeks ago, but it appears as if the club has been taking their time to ensure the 25-year-old is completely healthy. He was batting .264/.365/.457 with 43 runs scored, 13 home runs, 29 RBIs and 14 stolen bases in 75 games before the injury.
According to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com, Astros' manager A.J. Hinch said Springer will travel with the team to Minnesota and take batting practice there on Friday, which indicates a rehab assignment could be in place for the weekend.
Springer's imminent return is more than likely to spark the Astros' offense and further their efforts to claim their first division title since 2001.
