The Astros defeated the Tigers on Monday to improve to 80-46, but the World Series hopefuls didn’t escape unscathed. Star shortstop Carlos Correa left the game with discomfort in his back, the team announced. Manager A.J. Hinch said afterward Correa’s day-to-day, but he admitted: “I don’t like it. It’s not comfortable.” (Twitter links via Mark Berman of Fox 26).
Hinch’s trepidation stems from the fact that back issues have been a past problem for Correa, who missed over a month last summer because of them. With this year’s playoffs just around the corner, a similar absence would be cutting things awfully close for Houston. Plus, the Astros just lost fellow shortstop option Aledmys Diaz to the injured list Sunday, though they’ve passed plenty of tests without him and Correa this season. Both players have spent weeks on the IL to this point, yet the Astros still own what should be an insurmountable eight-game lead in the AL West.
Correa previously suffered a fractured rib in a massage gone wrong May 28, causing him to sit out until July 26. While the Astros managed an impressive 31-19 record during that span, it’s obvious they aren’t at the height of their considerable powers without Correa. The 24-year-old has been brilliant over 310 plate appearances this season, slashing .278/.358/.556 with 19 home runs and 2.9 fWAR.
Sadness
This guy is starting to look like AJ Pollock. Talented but can’t stay healthy.
Tulo
This guy is a glass tiger.
Houston looking like paper tigers.
Stanton, Judge, Hicks, Sanchez, are just four of the breakable bombers. People in glass towers my man shouldn’t throw anything.
Mr. All Knowing….all debubba was pointing out was that suddenly the Astros don’t look at bulletproof going into the playoffs soon as is the popular opinion especially on this web site by posters!
As usual, you sir/ma’am has to make this about hating the 27 time World Champion Yankees who just happen to have the best record in ML baseball with all those “breakable bombers”!
Try counting to 10 before posting!
He was just bandwagoning like your pathetic self. God October can’t get here quick enough so everyone can laugh even harder at you missy when the Yankees are exposed once again, but you’ll disappear just like last year.
Has a puertorrican myself is sad to see
I feel ya. I’m depressed anytime I read about an ailing Texan.
That must have been one hell of a massage.
That’s s bummer, the game is better when he is on the field.
What is a massage gone wrong? That has to be code right?
Definitely
Like an unhappy ending?
Deep tissue massage and the massage person pushed too hard…..
Baby got back
I think he got caught knocking boots with someone else and his lady went all Ms Tiger Woods on him.
I’ve thought for a while that of the “core” Astros, Correa would be the one to seek his fortunes elsewhere. Now I’m wondering if Houston would even be interested a long-term deal. So much talent, but the injuries have to start feeling like a real concern.
Second year in a row with a back injury, not good. Back injuries are for middle aged men, not 23 year old athletes.
Trade him in the off season with two years of control left and get as many prospects back as you can. Please Jeff, make the move.
It makes sense given that Bregman is a SS and Gurriel is a 3B. If Tucker/Alvarez can play a serviceable 1B then it’s all good. Correa plays elite defense and has all the offensive potential in the world, but he’s too fragile to give a mega contract to. If you aren’t giving him the mega contract, then capitalize on his value via trade.
I’d rather see Springer traded, Correa probably a higher likelihood of resigning, more versatile, and not as streaky. Obviously, other teams would take the back issues into consideration so not as high trade value as many wish.
You are not going to trade Correa while Houston is still in their championship window.
No, because I’m not the GM, but Luhnow might. He’s too fragile and he has an obvious replacement in Bregman. Bregman has an obvious replacement in Gurriel. The only question is whether Tucker (most likely), can play a decent enough 1B.
What was once a good debate of choosing between Correa and Lindor is getting much easier.
His bones and muscles are made of paper-mâché.
Why would Mayfield get the call-up before Straw?