Porter gives Springer night off after hip strain

SEATTLE -- Upon his arrival at Safeco Field on Thursday, Astros right fielder George Springer told manager Bo Porter he's ready to play. Alas, Springer, who strained his right hip flexor in the ninth inning Wednesday night in Anaheim, was held out of the lineup by Porter.

Springer said Thursday he's still sore but could play. He didn't take batting practice.

"I want to help contribute no matter what," he said. "I like playing every day. I'm an everyday kind of guy. If I'm not playing, it's tough. If he needs me, I'll get ready to go out and just try to help."

Porter typically errs on the side of caution and likes to give players an extra day when they say they're ready.

"He's much better, but we decided to give him a day," Porter said. "The injury happened [Wednesday] night and it's not something you want to risk any further damage. We're going to give him a day today, and [Friday] he'll come out and he'll run around."

Representing the tying run at first with one out in a 2-1 loss to the Angels, Springer's leg gave out on him as he tried to get back to the base as right-hander Jered Weaver made a quick -- and successful -- pickoff move.

"I woke up today happy, breathing, so I can play," Springer said.