Springer singles, 'shakes off cobwebs' in rehab assignment

6/30/15: George Springer launches a two-run home run to deep left field off Danny Duffy, giving the Astros a 2-0 lead over the RoyalsCORPUS CHRISTI, Texas -- George Springer returned to Double-A baseball to a hero's welcome Saturday night, going a quiet 1-for-4 with a run scored in a rehab assignment at Whataburger Field.

Wearing the home whites of the Corpus Christi Hooks (Double-A Astros) for the first time since his midseason promotion in 2013 -- when he was named the Texas League Player of the Year and All-Star Game MVP -- the Houston outfielder received an ovation from the crowd of 6,077 as he walked to the plate in the first.

Springer, 25, was getting his first at-bats since a pitch…