CINCINNATI -- The Astros activated All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve from the injured list prior to Wednesday’s series finale against the Reds at Great American Ball Park and optioned left-hander Cionel Perez to Triple-A Round Rock.

Altuve went 0-for-4 while batting third and playing second base in Houston's 3-2 loss to Cincinnati. It was his first game action since he strained his left hamstring May 10.

The return of the six-time All-Star will be a huge boost for an Astros team which has been without three of its middle-of-the-order bats in Altuve, outfielder George Springer (strained left hamstring) and shortstop Carlos Correa (rib fracture) since late last month. Houston was 24-11 with Altuve on the injured list entering Wednesday's game.

“It’s been forever, but at the same time, it’s helped me a lot that the guys have been playing so good and winning a lot of games,” Altuve said. “It makes me feel better about not playing.”

Altuve flew to Cincinnati on Tuesday following his final Minor League rehab outing Monday night for Triple-A Round Rock, and he met with manager AJ Hinch.

Altuve has long since recovered from his hamstring strain, but the Astros gave him extra time off after late last month, he started sustaining fatigue in his right leg, which he pushes off while hitting. Hinch said that Altuve has better strength in his legs than he has at any point this season.

“His swing is feeling better, his actions are a little bit better,” Hinch said. “From a fundamental standpoint in the swing, he’s grounded a little more into his legs, which is a good thing. He’s stronger -- all things we wanted while he was on the IL.”

There was concern late Monday about a video that surfaced on Twitter showing Altuve legging out a triple at Round Rock. He appeared to limp as he headed towards third base, and then grabbed his leg after sliding. Altuve said it’s much ado about nothing.

“I was kind of surprised when I looked at the video and saw myself running, because I feel way better than that,” he said. “Running is not going to be an issue. It’s never been a big deal for me, so I think I’ll be able to run.”

Hinch made sure he discussed the video with Altuve on Monday night.

“I think it’s more on his mind and maybe subconsciously that he’s just got to gain some confidence in playing, and when he’s at that medium speed he’s still a little guarded, but I think it’s something that will pass,” Hinch said.

Here’s the latest on some of the other Astros players on the injured list:

• Springer will fly back to Texas on Wednesday, where he is set to begin a Minor League rehab assignment Thursday for Double-A Corpus Christi. Springer last played May 24, and the Astros are hoping to get him back in the lineup in time for next week’s homestand, which begins June 25 vs. the Pirates.

“Just getting him on the field is going to be very important. We plan on playing him in the outfield for five to seven innings, and then he’ll take a day off and play again,” Hinch said. “We’ll consider the back to back [games], and then we’ll go from there. At least three or four [games], if not more. The number is [contingent] on what happens in his first few.”

• Right-hander Joe Smith, who has been out the entire season following surgery in December to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon, could begin a rehab stint this weekend, also in Corpus Christi.

• Hinch said right-handed pitcher Collin McHugh (right elbow discomfort) still wants to refine his delivery and pitches and get more efficient during his Minor League rehab assignment, but his arm feels great, "which is his No. 1 priority." He'll pitch again Friday and Saturday at Corpus Christi.

• Catcher Max Stassi (left knee soreness) was scheduled to play back-to-back games Tuesday and Wednesday at Corpus Christi, which may be his last test before he’s activated from the IL.