MRI reveals Crain has strained right calf

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Jesse Crain's MRI results came back on Thursday and revealed his right calf injury suffered on Tuesday is a strain. Astros manager Bo Porter, who announced the results prior to the team's pre-workout stretching, said there's no timetable for Crain's return.

"It's just a strain, and he will continue to work with the training staff, and they'll keep me abreast of his progress," Porter said.

Even before receiving the news that his injury was just a strain, Crain felt good on Thursday morning, saying he did not believe the injury was "anything too major."

"It's getting better, but I don't know how fast [recovery] is going to be," Crain said. "But it's a little easier to walk on today, so that's a good sign."

The right-handed reliever, who is wearing a walking boot, suffered the strain while stepping onto a box during a workout in the weight room on Tuesday.

"It's something I definitely wasn't planning on," Crain said. "It's something that just happened. There was nothing leading up to it or any kind of warning. It just went out on one thing. It's frustrating, but you've just got to keep on moving forward. I've had stuff like this before, so just try to keep a positive attitude and get better."

The Astros signed Crain to a one-year deal on Dec. 31 to help add a veteran presence to their bullpen. In 46 appearances with the White Sox last season, he posted a 0.74 ERA in 37 innings. Crain was traded to the Rays on July 29, but he never threw a pitch for American League East runners-up.

Although the calf strain is a setback, Crain hopes to press forward without much issue.

"As long as I can get some kind of throwing in and keep my arm there, I don't think it's going to cause too much of a problem," Crain said.