HOUSTON -- The Astros could be close to getting closer Josh Hader back and second baseman Jose Altuve might not be too far behind.
Manager Joe Espada said Sunday it “is very possible” that Hader could return during the Pirates series, which starts on Tuesday in Houston.
Hader started the season on the injured list with left biceps tendinitis and threw his ninth Minor League rehab on Thursday. Hader told Milwaukee reporters on Friday that he was on track to return from the injured list on Tuesday.
Altuve has been on the injured list since May 18, retroactive to May 17, with a Grade 2 left oblique strain. He’s been hitting, running the bases and taking grounders at second.
Espada said Altuve was “really close” to facing live pitching.
“I think it’s possible that he’s closer than we were all expecting him to be,” Espada said. “He’s progressing really well. He feels really good.”
In addition to Hader and Altuve, right-hander Hunter Brown (right shoulder strain) is scheduled for his third Minor League rehab start on Thursday, and right-hander Cristian Javier (Grade 2 right shoulder strain) is slated to make his first Minor League rehab start on Wednesday.
The Astros, who have won seven of their last nine, might be getting healthy at the right time.
“It just feels like everybody is starting to show up when we are playing our best baseball,” Espada said. “It feels like everything is coming together at the right time. Getting one of the best closers in the game, it just puts other pitchers in better spots. Getting someone who can give you those outs at the end of the game. It’s exciting in the clubhouse, too.”