Injuries & Moves: McCormick to play at Double-A on Tuesday

May 14th, 2024

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May 13: OF (right hamstring discomfort) to rehab at Double-A
McCormick went 2-for-5 at designated hitter in his first rehab start Sunday for Triple-A Sugar Land. He said he tested his hamstring on a double that was a close play at second base and had no issues. McCormick will continue his rehab Tuesday and Wednesday for Double-A Corpus Christi, which is playing in San Antonio. He's expected to play the outfield both days.

"I felt really good," McCormick said. "I could stick in the ground and use my hamstring when I'm swinging, and that's really important. I hit a couple of balls hard and I was happy with my swing. I still feel like I need to play a couple of more games, work on some things and know where I'm at. The outfield tomorrow will be a good test."

10-DAY/15-DAY INJURED LIST

RHP (right forearm strain)
Expected return: Late May
Urquidy gave up three runs and three hits and struck out three batters over 2 2/3 innings in his rehab start on Sunday with Triple-A Sugar Land. He threw 28 of 46 pitches for strikes and will continue his rehab Saturday with an outing for Double-A Corpus Christi at San Antonio. He is expected to throw 70 pitches in his second rehab outing.

"When I finished the game, I didn't feel anything bad," said Urquidy, who was topping out at 90-93 mph. "I wasn't thinking to not put too much stress on my arm, but I think I've got more than that. I think next outing, I'm going to have more velocity for sure."

Urquidy went 3-3 with a 5.29 ERA in 16 games (10 starts) last year and spent three months on the injured list with right shoulder discomfort. (Last updated: May 13)

OF (right hamstring discomfort)
Expected return: Mid-May
McCormick is on a Minor League rehab assignment and could be close to returning to the Astros. He injured his hamstring against the Royals in mid-April and took some time off for it to heal.

McCormick started 16 games in left field, four in center and one in right field this season, but he has struggled at the plate and is still searching for his first home run while in the longest homerless drought of his career. (Last updated: May 13)

60-DAY INJURED LIST

RHP (right forearm surgery)
Expected return:
Midseason
McCullers has been throwing off the mound and has hit the mid-80s with his fastball, while adding some changeups. The next step would be to add in some breaking pitches and build up his pitch count and intensity in the coming weeks. He did not pitch in 2023 following surgery performed on June 13 to repair his flexor tendon and remove a bone spur.

The right-hander had rehabbed to the point that he was close to facing hitters in mid-May of last year, but another setback ultimately led to surgery. (Last updated: May 13) More>>

RHP (right elbow surgery)
Expected return: Midseason
Murfee, claimed off waivers on March 27 from the Braves, won't be able to help the Astros until midseason after undergoing UCL surgery in June 2023. He had surgery July 5 of last year. He's progressed to throwing off the slope of the mound. (Last updated: May 4)

RHP Luis Garcia (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: Midseason
Garcia threw another bullpen session on May 3 as he continues to rehab from the Tommy John surgery he underwent in May 2023. He began throwing bullpens in April and is taking a slow progression to eventually going out on a Minor League rehab assignment.

The expectation is that he will be able to rejoin the Astros' rotation at some point in the middle of the season. (Last updated: May 3)

RHP (elbow surgery)
Expected return: July
Ortega underwent surgery to remove loose bodies in his right elbow, the Astros announced March 21. He was expected to miss three to four months. Ortega appeared in two Spring Training games in relief before being sidelined with elbow discomfort. He joined the Astros after being claimed off waivers from the Twins on Oct. 25. Ortega appeared in 10 games for the Twins in 2023, going 0-1 with a 4.30 ERA while tallying 14 strikeouts in 14 1/3 innings pitched. He was transferred to the 60-day IL on April 9 to make room on the 40-man roster for Wander Suero. (Last updated: April 9)

LHP (left shoulder inflammation)
Expected return: 2025
Sousa was headed towards a spot on Houston's Opening Day roster before what he described as an inflamed nerve sent him to the IL to begin the season. Sousa said he experienced some numbness and soreness in his hand and "tried to grind through it." He underwent surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome on April 3 and was shut down for the season. (Last updated: April 6)

RHP (right shoulder labral surgery )
Expected return: 2025
Graveman, acquired by the Astros for the second time at last year’s Trade Deadline, posted a 2.42 ERA in 23 appearances for Houston in August and September but didn’t pitch in the playoffs because of right shoulder discomfort. He underwent season-ending surgery in January. (Last updated: March 28)