HOUSTON -- With All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve (left shoulder) and outfielder George Springer (left hamstring) both returning to the lineup for Friday's series opener against the A's after battling nagging injuries all week, the Astros are close to full strength once again.
"Any time your best players can get back in the lineup, it's a good, comfortable feeling,' Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. "I hated seeing those guys go through the rigors of some smaller injuries, but it is the nature of the season."
Some other players are on the mend as well:
• Outfielder Jake Marisnick, who left Sunday's game against the Rays iafter suffering a concussion slamming into the wall making a catch, said Friday he's 100 percent and optimistic he'll be activated on Monday.