The Houston Astros activated George Springer from the injured list after he missed a month because of a strained left hamstring.
Springer was leading the American League in homers (17) and RBIs (43) on May 24, when he last played. The two-time All-Star is hitting .308 in 48 games.
Springer hit two home runs in three rehab appearances at Double-A Corpus Christi.
The Astros’ leadoff hitter suffered the hamstring injury while chasing a foul ball against the Boston Red Sox. He slid so that he wouldn’t collide with the wall and grabbed his hamstring.
Houston also activated right-hander pitcher Collin McHugh (elbow) from the 10-day injured list. McHugh is 3-4 with a 6.04 ERA in 10 appearances (eight starts) this season. He began the season as a starter before being demoted to the bullpen after being rocked for eight runs and seven hits in three innings in a loss to the Kansas City Royals on May 7.
He last pitched on May 14.
In corresponding moves, the Astros optioned lefty relief pitcher Reymin Guduan (1-0, 11.81 ERA in 5 1/3 innings) and right-hander reliever Rogelio Armenteros (0-0, 3.60 ERA in five innings) to Triple-A Round Rock.
The Astros, who led the American League West by 6 1/2 games heading into Tuesday, are making progress toward getting back to full strength. Second baseman Jose Altuve (hamstring) returned last week, and shortstop Carlos Correa (rib) is eying a return after the All-Star break. He has missed a month of action.
