Conger-Keuchel becoming a frequent pairing

ANAHEIM -- Astros manager A.J. Hinch has said repeatedly he's not a fan of pairing a certain catcher with one pitcher, but when Hank Conger was in the lineup to catch Dallas Keuchel for the fourth start in a row Saturday, he was asked about the trend.

Jason Castro, the Astros' starting catcher, caught Keuchel's first two starts, including Opening Day, but Conger has caught his last four, including Saturday. Conger, known for his framing, makes sense with Keuchel, who works down in the zone with impeccable control.

• Astros outfielder George Springer, who's on the seven-day concussion disabled list, could return as early as Wednesday, but it's not known if he'll be cleared by doctors yet. Hinch talked to him on the phone Saturday and said he was in good spirits.

"He's doing well," Hinch said. "He's going through the protocol and is seeing our doctors and increasing some physical activity and going along with the protocol and is being evaluated every day."