Taking a look at the Houston Astros injury report heading into Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Angels.
The Houston Astros head into Tuesday night hoping to tie the series against the Los Angeles Angels after the Angels took the series opener 3-1.
Before the game starts tonight, it is important to take a look at the injury report, whether that be for short-term or long-term injuries. So, here is a look at the Astros injury report heading into the second game of the series.
At this point, the Astros do not have any recent injuries, but they could get a few players back from injury for the postseason, while one player will most likely be out for the rest of the year.
The players on the injury report include right-handed pitcher Mike Burrows, outfielder Brice Matthews, shortstop Carlos Correa, and left-handed pitcher Brandon Walter.
The first player up is Burrows who is still working through right elbow neuritis, but he is trending in the right direction. As a result of this injury, Burrows was placed on the 15-day IL on July 13th which is retroactive to July 7th. Currently, Burrows return is still to be determined, but he is definitely progressing well.
In terms of status, Burrows will throw in his second rehab start in the Minor Leagues for Triple-A Sugar Land on August 20th. In Burrows' first rehab start with Sugar Land, he had a solid performance as he threw 4 1/3 scoreless innings while allowing three hits, walking one batter, and striking out three batters. If Burrows has another good outing, it will be interesting to see when he does return to the Majors.
Next, it is time to talk about Matthews who is recovering from a left knee sprain. Due to the left knee sprain, Matthews was placed on the 10-day IL on July 17th and has an expected return of the third week in August which is this week, so there should be an update on his timetable coming soon.
As far as Matthews' recovery goes, he has been doing some hitting, fielding ground balls, and running. The next step in Matthews' recovery will be to get him on the bases to see hoe his knee reacts. The last update listed on the injury report came on August 8th, so if Matthews is progressing well there should be another update coming very soon.
The third player to talk is Correa who is still coming back from the peroneus brevis tendon repair surgery that he had done on his left ankle. As a result of this injury and procedure, Correa was placed on the IL on May 6th and then was moved to the 60-day IL on June 2nd. At this point, Correa could still return for the 2026 season, but that is simply a possibility, not certainty.
For Correa's recovery, according to manager Joe Espada, Correa has begun taking dry swings and will begin tee work soon. This news from Espada came on August 8th, so when there is an update, there should a much clearer indication as to whether or not he will return this season.
The last player to touch on in this injury report is Walter who is recovering from the Tommy John surgery he had to repair his torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow, which placed him on the 60-day IL on March 25th.
Based on the injury and the surgery, Walter will miss the rest of the 2026 season, but should be ready to go at some point in 2027 to become a key part of the Astros' pitching room and hopefully add some depth.
After looking at this injury report, it is clear that it will not affect tonight's game, but it will be interesting to see how Burrows, Matthews, and Correa continue to progress, and if all three of them can return for the postseason as the injury updates continue to provide more information.
Additionally, it will also be worth monitoring Walter's progression and how he might be able to make an impact for the Astros in 2027.
If Burrows, Matthews, Correa, and Walter can all get back to full strength on their timelines, the Astros may be able to clinch the AL West and make a playoff push this season, but could also look at the 2027 season as a great opportunity to compete.
