Albers is likely out until mid-June

HOUSTON -- Astros right-handed reliever Matt Albers said Wednesday he could be out of action for another three to four weeks while he recovers from tendinitis in his right shoulder. Albers had a cortisone injection in the shoulder Tuesday and will head to Kissimmee, Fla., within the next week to continue to rehab.

Albers, on the disabled list since April 22, tried to throw a simulated game on Friday in Baltimore but didn't feel right warming up and shut it down. He's since had an MRI exam that showed no structural damage to the shoulder.

"Throwing at 60, 70 percent was fine, and I really tried to ramp it up and the pain came back," he said. "I took the next step and got an MRI and structurally everything looked good, which is a good sign. There's just inflammation in there. That's what's causing the pain. They went ahead and gave me a couple of cortisone shots and I will take a couple of weeks off and see where I'm at. I'm not exactly sure, but I think it's a good three to four weeks before I come back."

Albers, signed to a contract this offseason, has pitched in eight games, allowing one earned run in 10 innings. He was on the DL from June 26-Oct. 21, 2008, with right shoulder inflammation.

"It's definitely discouraging," he said. "Obviously, you'd love to be out there helping the team. I pride myself in being pretty durable, and I haven't had any issues with being on the DL, except for 2008. It's definitely unfortunate, but it just kind of happens that you have to deal with it. I tried to come back quickly and it wasn't working, so I have to take time and make sure it's right."

Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said he was relieved there was nothing wrong structurally with Albers' shoulder.

"It's just a matter of getting a little rest and back out throwing and he should be fine," he said. "I'm encouraged."