Springer may go on rehab stint by weekend

NEW YORK -- Astros outfielder George Springer could begin a Minor League rehab stint as early as this weekend. Springer took batting practice on the field Wednesday at Yankee Stadium for the third consecutive day and will hit with the team again Friday in Minnesota.

Assuming his fractured right wrist, which he suffered against the Royals on July 1, responds well, Springer could begin a rehab assignment shortly after. Springer could be sent to Double-A Corpus Christi, which begins a seven-game homestand Friday. Triple-A Fresno is at Omaha on Saturday and Sunday before finishing the season with eight consecutive home games, but keeping Springer closer to home makes Corpus Christi a more likely destination.

"It would be nice to get him out as soon as possible," manager A.J. Hinch said. "Part of it is Sept. 1 is coming. That's not a deadline for him, but part of it is getting him out and playing as an everyday player again. I'd like him to have some regular-season at-bats in the Minor Leagues before their season ends, and the clock is ticking a little bit with that."

Fresno, which clinched a playoff spot in the Pacific Coast League on Tuesday, ends its regular season Sept. 7. Corpus Christi, which will participate in the Texas League playoffs, also finishes its regular season Sept. 7.

Springer was hitting .264 with 13 homers, 29 RBIs and 14 steals in 75 games before being struck by a pitch from Kansas City's Edinson Volquez on July 1.