Springer not in lineup for third straight game

Springer not in lineup for third straight game

Outfielder (sore left quad) available to play, but Astros erring on side of caution

August 22nd, 2018
Houston Astros' George Springer watches from the dugout during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)David J. Phillip/AP

SEATTLE -- Astros outfielder remains available to play while dealing with a sore left quadriceps muscle, though he wasn't in the starting lineup for the third game in a row Wednesday against the Mariners.
"I know we're all frustrated and he's frustrated that he's not going to play today," Astros manager AJ Hinch said. "He ran really hard [Wednesday]. He told me and the trainers told me he could probably play at a reduced level, whether that's 90 percent, 80 percent or whatever. The recommendation is to give him another day, and we have the day off [Thursday], and we'll aim for Friday."
Hinch said it's tough to risk putting Springer in the lineup when he's not 100 percent, especially with playing well in center field and hitting lefties as the designated hitter. Springer was on deck to pinch-hit in the eighth Tuesday, but Evan Gattis grounded into the Astros' record-setting sixth double play to end the inning.
"We're going to err on the side of caution," Hinch said. "I was going to use him last night, so clearly he's available. But not able to go 100 percent, it's hard for me to put him out there."
The Astros activated Springer last week after missing eight games on the DL with a left thumb strain. He went 3-for-13 (.231) in the weekend series against the A's and was in Monday's starting lineup in Seattle before being scratched with left quad soreness.
Worth noting
• Outfielder (left groin strain) ran the bases early Wednesday in Seattle and took batting practice, meaning he's close to heading out on a Minor League rehab assignment. That could happen as soon as this weekend.

• Right-hander (muscle strain in forearm) has been aggressively throwing on flat ground for about a week. He could begin throwing off the mound sometime this weekend while the team is in Anaheim.
• Catcher (right knee surgery in July) and right-hander (left hamstring tightness) were expected to play Wednesday for Double-A Corpus Christi as they continue their rehab outings. Both could be activated next week.