Taking a look at the Houston Astros injury report ahead of the second matchup of the series against the San Francisco Giants.
The Houston Astros are preparing for the second game of the series against the San Francisco Giants, but before the game starts, it is important to take a look at the injury report and how that may affect tonight's game.
At this point, the Astros do not have any new injuries and are still working with a few different players to potentially get them back this season, or get them ready for the 2027 season.
The list of players Houston is currently working with on injuries includes right-handed pitcher Mike Burrows, outfielder Brice Matthews, shortstop Carlos Correa, and left-handed pitcher Brandon Walter.
First up, Burrows is dealing with right elbow neuritis, which landed him on the 15-day IL list on July 13th and is retroactive to July 7th. At this point in time, the return for Burrows is still to be determined, but he has been progressing quite well.
The next step in Burrows' injury progression is for him to make a rehab start with Triple-A Sugar Land on August 14th, which should give the Astros a good idea as to when he will return, as well as what kind of role he may have when he does come back.
Next up, Matthews is still battling through a left knee sprain that placed him on the 10-day IL list on July 17th. Matthews has also been progressing well through his rehab process with an expected return estimated to be about the third week in August.
So far, Matthews has been hitting on the field, fielding ground ball, and has been doing some running. The next task for Matthews will be to get him on bases to see how his knee reacts and if he round the bases at game speed.
The third player up is Correa who is currently still recovering from the peroneus brevis tendon repair surgery that he had done on his left ankle. Due to this procedure, Correa was placed on the IL list on May 6th and was moved to the 60-day IL list on June 2nd. In terms of Correa coming back, there is a possibility he could return at some point in 2026, but there is no set date or guarantee that he will for sure return before the end of the season.
During Correa's recovery process so far, he has been doing dry swings, and according to manager Joe Espada, tee work will begin soon as well, which could be a good test for Correa and his ankle.
The final injury to note is Walter who is recovering from the Tommy John surgery he had on September 23, 2025 to repair the torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow. As a result of this injury, Walter was placed on the 60-day IL list on March 25th and will most likely to miss the rest of the season with a expected return being for the 2027 season.
Once Walter does return in 2027, he should be able to provide some depth for the Astros pitchers and could play a key role for that unit.
While none of these injuries will affect tonight's game, it will be interesting to see when Burrows and Matthews come back in 2026, whether or not Correa can return this season as well, and how early in 2027 Walter can be ready to go and contribute for the Astros.
