Springer learns lesson in outfield communication

HOUSTON -- While George Springer can seemingly do no wrong at the plate, Thursday's game against Baltimore wasn't without a minor mishap from the rookie sensation.

Early in the Astros' 3-1 win over the Orioles -- well before his two-run, tiebreaking home run in the seventh inning for his seventh homer in seven games and 10th of the season, all in May -- Ryan Flaherty hit a third-inning fly ball to right-center field. Both Springer and center fielder Dexter Fowler made a play for the ball. The two bumped into each other before Fowler made the catch.

Springer, who came up as a center fielder but was moved to right field after the Astros signed Fowler, was quick to take responsibility for the minimal mistake. After all, this is the first time the two have shared an outfield together.

"That was our first, I guess you want to say, blip," Springer said. "It's his outfield. It's his ball, so I learned from my mistake."

Springer was calling for the ball while it was in flight but later learned that Fowler didn't hear him. By the time Springer heard Fowler attempt to call him off, the bump was inevitable.

"He said he didn't hear me," Springer said. "Next time that happens, I'll make sure he does."