Correa eases back into action at Lancaster

HOUSTON -- Shortstop Carlos Correa, the Astros' top prospect and No. 1 pick in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft, returned to the lineup Friday night at Class A Advanced Lancaster at designated hitter after missing the previous seven games with tightness in his right shoulder.

"We wanted to give his arm a complete rest and make sure his swing wasn't going to be affecting his arm," Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said. "Right now, the only he can't do without any discomfort are just those deep throws from the hole. That will still probably cause him a little bit of discomfort. We just want to be a bit cautious."

Carlos Perdomo has been starting at shortstop in Correa's place and entered Friday hitting .375 (9-for-24) with a home run and triple and three RBIs. He slugged a home run earlier this week off the Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw during his rehab outing.

Meanwhile, center fielder Delino DeShields Jr., who's been out since he fractured his cheekbone when he was struck by a pitch in the face on April 19 while playing for Double-A Corpus Christi, is playing the outfield in extended spring training in Florida. He is expected to return to the Hooks soon, perhaps as early as Saturday when they return home to face San Antonio.