Hinch targets weekend return for injured trio

Bregman, Springer, Harris progressing; Friday in Detroit best-case scenario

July 26th, 2017

PHILADELPHIA -- The Astros are hoping to get infielder , outfielder and relief pitcher Will Harris back for this weekend's series in Detroit, which begins on Friday following an off-day Thursday.
Bregman strained his right hamstring running out a third-inning triple in Tuesday's win over the Phillies. Springer left Monday's win in the third inning with left quad discomfort he sustained while fielding a ball in center field. Harris, who has been on the disabled list since July 11 with right shoulder inflammation, threw a perfect one-inning rehab outing on Wednesday at Class A Advanced Buies Creek, striking out two and throwing 15 pitches.
 

Houston manager A.J. Hinch is hoping that keeping Bregman and Springer off the field on Wednesday and throughout Thursday's off-day will be enough to heal their injuries. Both will be reassessed prior to Friday's series opener in Detroit.
"We're happy with where they're at today," Hinch said prior to Wednesday's game. "I think even more relieved than we anticipated. With the day off tomorrow, I'm going to stay away from them tonight. Springer feels like he can contribute at some level if we need to use him. Bregman feels that way; I definitely won't use him.
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"I hope that Friday brings better news. We'll test them out early in the afternoon and see if either makes the lineup. I'm confident in non-DLs. They're available. We'll just have to see after a couple of rest days."

Harris, who has a 2.86 ERA and 39 strikeouts over 34 2/3 innings, hasn't pitched in a game since July 5 in Atlanta and had been dealing with shoulder discomfort for a couple of weeks before going on the DL.