HOUSTON -- Astros center fielder George Springer may not return to the lineup until Friday’s game against the Mariners at Minute Maid Park, manager Dusty Baker said Tuesday. Springer hasn’t played since he suffered a right wrist strain trying to make a diving catch during Thursday’s game against the D-backs in Phoenix. He was out of the lineup Tuesday for the fifth game in a row.

“He’s doing better,” Baker said. “The trainer said he was doing better and better every day. He’s not playing today. Not sure about [Thursday] because that will give him an extra day. Personally, I’m hoping by Friday. George will try to talk me into [Thursday]. We’ll see.”

Springer is off to a slow start at the plate this season, hitting .182 with three homers and 12 RBIs. He was swinging the bat much better in the six games prior to getting hurt, batting .304 with 11 RBIs. He began the season in a 1-for-21 slump and had gone 7-for-23 before getting injured.

The Astros are 1-3 since Friday without Springer in the lineup, slashing .179/.238/.286 as a team with two homers and 11 RBIs.

Raley joins the Astros
Left-hander Brooks Raley, whom the Astros acquired in a trade with the Reds on Sunday, was activated before Tuesday’s game, giving the Astros a much-needed veteran arm for the bullpen. The club optioned rookie Humberto Castellanos to the alternate training site in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Raley made the Reds’ Opening Day roster and appeared in four games, posting a 9.00 ERA, before being designated for assignment. Raley drove with his family 14 hours from Cincinnati to his home in College Station, Texas, which is about 90 miles from Houston.

“I’m definitely excited about the opportunity,” said Raley, who grew up in Uvalde, Texas, as a fan of the Astros. “I’ve got to hit the ground running and be ready for whatever role comes my way.”

Raley predominantly throws a four-seamer and two-seamer with a cutter, curveball and changeup. He throws two-seamers to lefties and cutters to righties for the most part.

“I’m excited to get to work,” Raley said.

Raley was signed by the Reds to a Minor League deal with an invite to Spring Training in January after spending the last five seasons pitching in the Korea Baseball Organization with the Lotte Giants. He went 48-53 with a 4.13 ERA in 152 games (151 starts) in the KBO from 2015-19.

Worth noting
Baker said he’ll likely give struggling second baseman Jose Altuve the day off Wednesday, which combined with Thursday’s scheduled off-day would give him two consecutive days off. Abraham Toro would likely play second base in Altuve’s absence.