With Correa, Sanchez on IL, Astros add pair

Right-hander had decreased velocity Tuesday against Tigers

August 22nd, 2019

HOUSTON -- After the pair was placed on the injured list following Tuesday night's win over the Tigers, Astros manager AJ Hinch said shortstop and starting pitcher are expected to be out more than the minimum 10 days.

Hinch predicted Sanchez, who left Tuesday’s start with a sore pectoral muscle, would pitch again this season. As for Correa, who has lower back discomfort, the Astros remain hopeful he will also return to action.

“We are encouraged by what they’re doing and where they’ll be,” Hinch said before Houston's game on Wednesday against the Tigers. “But until they get back into baseball activities, there’s not much more of an update for them.”

Infielder/outfielder Myles Straw and right-hander Cy Sneed were recalled from from Triple-A Round Rock in corresponding moves. Straw was inserted right back into the lineup, hitting ninth and playing left field on Wednesday.

Hinch gave off-days to outfielders Michael Brantley and Josh Reddick against left-hander Daniel Norris as he focuses on managing workloads down the stretch.

“We’re not going to have the same lineup everyday for awhile,” Hinch said.

The Astros will need a starter on Sunday to take Sanchez’s spot in the rotation, and Hinch said that replacement probably would come from the Triple-A rotation. Framber Valdez and Jose Urquidy are the most likely candidates.

Injury updates
• Infielder Aledmys Diaz, who was placed on the 10-day IL after experiencing dizziness in Oakland last weekend, went through a full range of baseball activities and could begin a brief rehab assignment as soon as this weekend. He’s eligible to return on Tuesday.

“It was great,” Diaz said. “First time back for a couple days, took ground balls like a normal day, a normal routine, and I feel fine right now. We're going to take advantage of these last couple of days that are left. Work in the cage and in the field and be ready hopefully by the weekend get some action.”

• Reliever Josh James will pitch an inning for Triple-A Round Rock in Memphis on Thursday, take a couple of days off and then pitch at least one more time.

“He’s starting to get back into game action, which is really, really encouraging,” Hinch said.