Daily News 19

Tag: Houston Astros

  • Royals vs. Astros: September 15 Game Discussion

    Royals vs. Astros: September 15 Game Discussion

    The Kansas City Royals may be eliminated from playoff contention, but the final weeks of the season still offer compelling narratives for fans and analysts alike. With the standings no longer the primary focus, attention shifts to individual performances, award races, and divisional oddities across the American League.

    Maikel Garcia Returns: Building Momentum for 2025

    Infielder Maikel Garcia is back in the lineup, providing a key storyline for the remainder of the campaign. After missing time, his return offers a chance to finish the year on a high note. A strong close could signal positive momentum heading into 2025, giving the Royals hope that a fully healthy season might yield better results.

    MVP Race: Bobby Witt Jr. Chasing Yordan Alvarez

    The American League MVP race adds another layer of intrigue. Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez currently holds the edge over Royals superstar Bobby Witt Jr. The head-to-head series presents a direct opportunity for Witt to gain ground. Kansas City’s ability to limit Alvarez at the plate, combined with a standout offensive series from their shortstop, could shift the narrative in the season’s final stretch.

    AL West Winner Could Enter Postseason Below .500

    An unusual scenario is developing in the American League West. The division winner may clinch a playoff berth despite finishing the regular season with a sub-.500 record. This rare possibility underscores the parity—or struggle—within the division and would mark a notable historical footnote for the 2024 season.

    As the Royals take the field for their September 15 lineup, these storylines provide the framework for meaningful baseball, even without postseason stakes on the line.

  • Carlos Correa Won’t Rejoin Astros This Season Due to Ankle Injury

    Carlos Correa Won’t Rejoin Astros This Season Due to Ankle Injury

    Houston Astros star shortstop Carlos Correa will not return this season as the team pushes for a playoff berth, manager Joe Espada announced Tuesday. The decision ends Correa’s comeback attempt from left ankle surgery performed on May 11, which initially carried a six-to-eight-month recovery timeline.

    Recovery Progress Stalls Due to Inflammation

    Correa appeared close to a return over the weekend, and Espada indicated Sunday that the veteran infielder would likely begin rehabilitation games with Triple-A Sugar Land this week. However, the organization opted to shut down his 2026 campaign and shift focus toward spring training readiness for 2027.

    Espada clarified that Correa did not suffer a setback. Instead, the progressive increase in baseball activity triggered inflammation in the repaired ankle.

    “It’s just the buildup and every day we did a little bit more around the bases, the swinging on the field, the just being on the spikes for such a long time, it just kind of flared up on him,” Espada said. “And I think the smart thing to do right now is for Carlos to focus on next season.”

    Manager Expresses Disappointment Over Timing

    The Astros entered Tuesday night’s matchup against the Kansas City Royals holding a one-game lead over the Texas Rangers atop the American League West. Espada acknowledged the frustration of seeing Correa’s extensive rehabilitation fall short at the final stage.

    “Is it disappointing to know how hard he worked and it just came up short,” he said. “For me that’s the most disappointing part, that you know how much work he put into trying to get back and you see the light at the end of the road and the fact that we couldn’t get past the hours of work, the strain that caused to his ankle during his workouts, it’s sad.”

    Postseason Return Ruled Out

    Even if Houston advances deep into the playoffs, Espada does not envision a scenario where Correa could rejoin the active roster this year. The manager emphasized the need for caution given the physical toll the ramp-up process has taken.

    “We’re at a point where we have to be really smart about this,” he said. “It’s gotten to a point where it’s tough for him to get going. Like he wakes up in the morning and just to get him going it’s tough and we have to be cautious with this.”

    Correa’s Contract and Season Statistics

    Correa rejoined the Astros last summer via a blockbuster trade from the Minnesota Twins. He played third base for Houston in 2025 with Jeremy Peña at shortstop, then returned to his natural shortstop position this season while Peña recovered from a hamstring injury.

    The 2012 No. 1 overall draft pick carries salaries of $31.5 million in 2026, $30.5 million in 2027, and $30 million in 2028. As part of the trade agreement, the Twins will send $10 million to the Astros each December 15 from 2026 through 2028.

    Before the injury, Correa was batting .279 with three home runs and 16 RBI. He spent his first seven major league seasons with Houston before signing with Minnesota, where he played three-and-a-half years prior to last summer’s trade.

  • MLB Executives and Insiders Reveal 2026 Playoff Favorites and Biggest Threats

    MLB Executives and Insiders Reveal 2026 Playoff Favorites and Biggest Threats

    MLB Playoff Preview 2026: Executive and Scout Poll Reveals World Series Favorites and Sleepers

    As the 2026 MLB regular season concludes, the race for the World Series remains wide open. While the National League boasts a deeper collection of contenders than the American League, that disparity disappears once the Fall Classic begins. To gauge the postseason landscape, ESPN surveyed a panel of 16 executives and scouts — none affiliated with contending teams — asking which clubs are the teams to beat in each league and which underdogs could surprise.

    Last year’s consensus sleeper pick, the Seattle Mariners, fell one game short of the World Series. They are absent from this year’s poll entirely, as they are unlikely to reach the postseason. While no single sleeper emerged as a consensus choice to win it all, the panel agreed on an underdog in each league.

    National League: Milwaukee Brewers Voted Team to Beat

    Voting in the NL was tight, mirroring last year’s split. The Milwaukee Brewers edged out the Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies, earning five votes to the Dodgers’ four and the Phillies’ four. The Chicago Cubs received one vote.

    Despite Milwaukee’s 2025 NLCS loss to the Dodgers, voters doubled down on the Brewers for one primary reason: pitching. Insiders say the staff is even stronger than a year ago. While the team ERA is similar, the top of the rotation and the bullpen rank among the game’s best.

    Why the Brewers?

    “The Brewers’ offense — especially at home — can hang with anyone. They even hit home runs there. With home-field advantage, I don’t worry about them scoring. But it’s Jacob Misiorowski and Logan Henderson that give me more confidence this time around than last year when I picked them. That one-two combo can hang with the Dodgers.”

    — NL scout

    “I like the Brewers. Their young players don’t ever seem fazed by the moment. And there could be some weakness with the Dodgers if [Shohei] Ohtani can’t be himself [and pitch]. Milwaukee is just a little bit better in all phases plus has more pitching than a year ago. Miz can match up with anyone.”

    — NL executive

    Biggest Threats to Milwaukee

    Philadelphia Phillies: The Phillies returned most of their 2025 roster, giving Bryce Harper another shot at his first championship. Philadelphia reached the World Series in 2022, and several voters believe this group can break through.

    “Unfortunately, we faced the Phillies more recently, instead of early in the season when they were going bad. They pitched really well. I know how good the Dodgers and Brewers are, but I’m not betting against [Cristopher] Sanchez, [Zack] Wheeler and [Jesus] Luzardo — not to mention Bryce and [Kyle] Schwarber. They’re one team that doesn’t HAVE to have the bye because of those pitchers. Remember, they’ve been as good as anyone for a long time now.”

    — AL executive

    Los Angeles Dodgers: The perennial contenders drew votes based on track record and roster construction.

    “I’m not picking against the Dodgers. They’ve played it perfectly this year in terms of pressing down on the gas when needed and then backing off. As long as they get a bye, they’re in great shape. It would be one thing if they exhausted themselves just getting into the postseason, but from day one, they’ve seemingly had this three-peat in mind.”

    — NL executive

    Chicago Cubs: One voter highlighted Chicago’s balanced roster.

    “I’ll take the Cubs. First in offense, first in defense and a No.1-type starter in Clay Holmes. I know they just had bullpen problems, but as long as they keep the ball in the park, the Cubs will always have a chance.”

    — AL executive

    NL Sleeper: San Diego Padres Emerge as Consensus Pick

    The Padres earned seven votes as the NL sleeper, ahead of the Cubs (four), Atlanta Braves (two), and Arizona Diamondbacks (one). Like the Brewers, San Diego’s case rests on pitching. Since acquiring Casey Mize and Robbie Ray at the trade deadline, the Padres have posted the NL’s best ERA. An elite bullpen anchored by Mason Miller completes the profile of a dangerous postseason team — if they qualify.

    “For me, San Diego is the perfect sleeper team. They’re better now than they have been all season, but because they’ve been fighting for a playoff spot and have no chance at the division, it doesn’t feel like people are talking about them. Their last-second grab of Mize and Ray might be [general manager AJ] Preller’s best work if they go far. And it just seems like everyone who was slumping in the first half is hot now.”

    — AL scout

    “Jackson Merrill is going good. So is that bullpen. They’re my sleeper pick.”

    — NL executive

    The Cubs appeared in both the favorite and sleeper categories, reflecting their volatility: a record-setting August followed a 10-game May losing streak. Their ceiling depends on bullpen stability, but depth, defense, and a veteran rotation give them a path to a deep run.

    American League: New York Yankees the Clear Choice

    In the AL, voting concentrated heavily on the New York Yankees, who received the most support after Aaron Judge returned from a three-month injury absence. The Tampa Bay Rays earned four votes and the Boston Red Sox three, but the Yankees’ health has unified the panel.

    Some voters noted that if the Yankees fail to win the AL East, a wild-card series against Boston could eliminate them early, leaving the Rays or Red Sox as the league’s top team.

    Why the Yankees?

    “I love the Yankees now. Judge is back. [Carlos] Rodon is back. Even without [Giancarlo] Stanton, that offense is dangerous, especially at Yankee Stadium. [Max] Fried hasn’t been going deep in games, but they have so much pitching, they may not need him to. And anyone who hasn’t seen Cam Schlittler pitch is in for a treat.”

    — NL scout

    “The Yankees have been the best team in the AL all season, they just didn’t know it. Does that make sense? The injuries are the only thing that’s held them back. They just have every key ingredient for the postseason.”

    — AL executive

    Biggest Threats to New York

    Tampa Bay Rays: Tampa Bay owned the AL’s best record for most of the season.

    “I’m taking the Rays thinking maybe the Yankees and Red Sox exhaust themselves a little playing each other in the first round. I mean, the Rays have been the best team in the AL all season and I love the top of their order. And I’ll take Bryan Baker up against anyone, including Aroldis Chapman. His fastball/changeup combo is great.”

    — AL scout

    Boston Red Sox: Boston’s pitching depth makes them dangerous in a short series.

    “I like the amount of arms the Red Sox can put out there in a playoff series. And then once you get to the back of a game, they’re lights out with [Garrett] Whitlock and Chapman. I think they’re best positioned to win from the wild-card teams. They’ll keep the Yankees in the park when they play in the first round.”

    — NL executive

    AL Sleeper: Houston Astros Win by Default

    The Houston Astros received seven votes as the AL sleeper, followed by the Chicago White Sox (three) and Toronto Blue Jays (one). However, several voters expressed low confidence in any AL sleeper, describing their choice as a forced selection.

    Houston’s postseason pedigree likely tipped the scales. The White Sox, once a trendy sleeper, have faded, while the Blue Jays — last year’s World Series finalist — are not currently in a playoff position.

    “I can’t pick the White Sox anymore. I would have a month ago. So Houston is about the only choice left for a sleeper. It’s not an easy case to make, but Yordan Alvarez can change a series by himself, while Josh Hader is as good as ever right now. I just don’t know about the rest of their pitching, but Hunter Brown and Peter Lambert could carry the day. Hayden Wesneski has been excellent.”

    — AL executive

    “The Astros are not great, but they have pedigree. I think Hayden Wesneski could be a guy for them in October. His sweeper is really good right now. They have some home run power outside of Alvarez, which could surprise teams in October.”

    — NL scout

    “If the White Sox can get just a little starting pitching, they could still make some noise. They have a bullpen. That’s always a need in the playoffs. And they can hit home runs. They just haven’t lately. I like them as a sleeper, assuming [Davis] Martin or [Sean] Burke are good.”

    — AL scout

    If a team outside the AL East trio of New York, Tampa Bay, and Boston emerges from the American League, it will truly define the sleeper label this October.

  • Rave and Massey Hit Home Runs as Royals Defeat Astros 5-2, Dropping Houston into First-Place Tie with Texas

    Rave and Massey Hit Home Runs as Royals Defeat Astros 5-2, Dropping Houston into First-Place Tie with Texas

    Kansas City Royals secured a 5-2 victory over the Houston Astros on Wednesday night, pushing the American League West race into a dead heat. The loss drops Houston into a first-place tie with the Texas Rangers, both sitting at 76-76, though the Astros hold the tiebreaker advantage. This marks the first time since August 24 that Houston has not sat alone atop the division.

    Rave and Massey Power Royals Offense

    John Rave opened the scoring with a two-run home run in the fourth inning, his sixth of the season, off Astros starter Cristian Javier. The Royals broke the game open in the eighth inning. Michael Massey led off the frame with his 12th homer of the year — his third hit of the night — sparking a three-run rally. Kansas City added another run on a throwing error by right fielder Jorge Barrosa before Carter Jensen capped the inning with an RBI double.

    Lynch Shines in Return; Bullpen Holds Firm

    Daniel Lynch IV delivered a strong start for Kansas City, tossing five scoreless innings while allowing just two hits and striking out three to earn his sixth win. Craig Kimbrel navigated a one-out single in the sixth to keep Houston off the board. Nolan Hoffman allowed two singles in the seventh, but Anthony Gose escaped the jam by striking out pinch-hitter Nelson Velazquez and inducing a fly out from Daulton Varsho.

    Astros Offense Quiet Outside of Peña and Díaz

    Jeremy Peña continued his hot streak, going 3-for-4 with a double for his second consecutive three-hit game. Yainer Díaz provided Houston’s only other run with a solo home run in the ninth inning. Cristian Javier took the loss after surrendering two runs on five hits over 5 1/3 innings, dropping his record to 2-6.

    AL West Race Enters Final Stretch

    With the regular season winding down, the Astros and Rangers remain locked in a tight battle for the division crown. The team that falls short will still have a path to the postseason via the wild card, adding urgency to every remaining contest.

    Upcoming Probable Starters

    The series concludes Thursday with right-hander Seth Lugo (7-8, 4.99 ERA) taking the mound for the Royals. Houston counters with right-hander Miguel Ullola (0-0, 3.38 ERA), who will serve as an opener.

  • Underachieving Teams That Could Become Playoff Dark Horses

    Underachieving Teams That Could Become Playoff Dark Horses

    Rarely has a Major League Baseball season been more forgiving to mediocre teams. According to FanGraphs projections entering Thursday, 18 teams had at least a 10% chance of reaching the playoffs, meaning 60% of the league remained meaningfully alive in the postseason race.

    Half the league — 15 teams — had at least a 30% playoff probability. Only the Brewers were on pace for 100 wins, while just six teams were projected to reach 90 victories, including only two American League clubs: the Rays and Yankees. Since 1998, an average of 8.2 teams have won at least 90 games in a full season.

    The American League is particularly wide open. Sub-.500 teams such as the Orioles, Twins and Mariners still had double-digit playoff chances entering Thursday.

    The more interesting question is not which fringe contenders are most likely to qualify. It is which underperforming teams could become the most dangerous if they reach the postseason in such a relatively flat year.

    Several traits can make a team more dangerous in October than during the regular season.

    What makes a team dangerous in the MLB playoffs?

    Top-end starting pitching

    In the playoffs, innings are concentrated around a team’s best pitchers. When the Diamondbacks won the World Series as a 92-win team in 2001, Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling accounted for 34.7% of Arizona’s regular-season innings but 58.2% of its postseason innings. The Dodgers followed a similar blueprint last year, although their postseason innings were spread more evenly across a group of starters.

    Strikeout-focused bullpens

    Relievers absorb an increasing share of postseason innings, and the best bullpen arms are used disproportionately in the highest-leverage situations.

    Strong playoff pitching also makes it difficult to string hits together, which increases the value of power. Each of the last 10 World Series champions finished above average in slugging percentage, and many ranked among the elite offensive teams.

    Among the fringe contenders, the following teams have underperformed so far but could have the greatest upside if they reach the postseason.

    Cleveland Guardians

    The Guardians’ regular-season record understates how dangerous their potential October roster could be.

    Cleveland has one of the stronger rotations among the fringe contenders. The rotation is tied for sixth in ERA at 3.74, tied for eighth in xERA at 3.96 and 11th in fWAR at 10.5.

    The rotation looks even stronger when its weakest links are removed, as could happen in October when added urgency and playoff off-days allow innings to be concentrated among the top arms.

    Entering Thursday, the Guardians ranked seventh in fWAR from their three best starting pitchers currently on the roster: Parker Messick, Gavin Williams and deadline acquisition Foster Griffin. Only the Phillies, Brewers, Dodgers, Yankees, Red Sox and Pirates ranked ahead of them.

    Lowe addresses first-base production. Adell addresses lacking power from the right side.

    This is a stronger group than it was before the trade deadline — and stronger than its record might suggest.

    Houston Astros

    The Astros have been in a gradual decline from their peak years last decade, but they could still do damage in October if they qualify.

    One major reason is an improving bullpen. Houston’s K-BB% by month was:

    • March/April: 6.9%
    • May: 10%
    • June: 17.6%
    • July: 20.7%
    • August: 18.8%

    July and August were well above-average marks. The trend makes sense because elite closer Josh Hader did not return to full health until June. Bryan Abreu has a 1.45 ERA in the second half compared with 5.81 in the first half, while Steven Okert has also been better after the All-Star break, posting a 1.93 ERA.

    As a pitching staff, the Astros rank 12th in strikeout rate at 22.7%. Staff ace Hunter Brown is also back leading the rotation after missing most of the first half.

    Houston has another trait that can matter in October: offensive star power.

    Triple Crown contender Yordan Alvarez, who has a 185 wRC+, can carry a team for stretches. His bat is a major reason the Astros are tied for seventh in season-long wRC+ at 104. Over the last 30 days, Houston ranks sixth in slugging percentage.

    Jeremy Peña is having an excellent season, while Isaac Paredes, Christian Walker and Jose Altuve remain average-to-above-average regulars.

    Seattle Mariners

    For a team that nearly reached the World Series a year ago, sitting six games below .500 with a minus-57 run differential as September approached was perhaps the most disappointing campaign in the majors to that point.

    In the 2026 American League, however, the Mariners still had a 41.1% chance of making the playoffs, according to FanGraphs. Their biggest problem was run production. After tying for the ninth-most runs in baseball a year earlier, Seattle had scored the fewest this season.

    The Mariners have also experienced poor offensive fortune. Their expected batting average, slugging percentage and wOBA are all better than their actual figures. They have posted an MLB-worst .272 batting average on balls in play.

    Cal Raleigh is the clearest example of that misfortune. He suffered a dramatic decline after finishing runner-up for the MVP award, but he may be emerging from a season-long slump.

    Over the last 30 days, three Mariners hitters ranked among baseball’s hottest performers. Raleigh was joined by Randy Arozarena, who had a 146 wRC+ and seven home runs during the month, and Josh Naylor, who had a 132 wRC+.

    If Seattle’s offense improves, its pitching can remain the foundation. The Mariners once again have one of baseball’s deepest and most talented rotations. In the postseason, an arm such as Bryce Miller could also become a bullpen weapon if his stuff plays up in shorter appearances.

    Baltimore Orioles

    As noted earlier, the Orioles have one of the stronger rotations among the contenders. Shane Baz has a 3.63 ERA and a 16% K-BB%, while Trevor Rogers has a 3.40 ERA. Both pitchers have performed much better in the second half than in the first.

    Baltimore ranks in the top 10 in wRC+ and home runs. Pete Alonso, the underperforming but talented Gunnar Henderson and 22-year-old Samuel Basallo provide offensive upside and power.

    The bullpen has been uneven, and Jackson Holliday has struggled. Still, this is an underperforming roster that could have significant upside if it plays closer to its true talent level. Baltimore could save its best baseball for last.

    Pittsburgh Pirates

    The Pirates are the longest shot on the list. They trail the Padres by 7 1/2 games for the final National League Wild Card spot and would need to pass three other teams to get there. FanGraphs gives Pittsburgh a 1% chance of making the playoffs.

    But if Pittsburgh produces a minor miracle, the Pirates could become a fascinating postseason team.

    After a concerning mult-week stretch, Paul Skenes’ velocity increased and his stuff and performance looked significantly better during six shutout innings Tuesday in San Diego. Pittsburgh has a pitching staff loaded with power arms, including Jared Jones, Braxton Ashcraft and Bubba Chandler.

    In the same game, Oneil Cruz, who had recently returned from the injured list, homered against elite San Diego closer Mason Miller. The home run showcased Cruz’s game-changing bat speed. An injury derailed his potential breakout season, but he remains a 30-30 talent now back in the lineup.

    Uber-prospect Konnor Griffin is ramping up his baseball activities and could return when eligible to come off the 60-day injured list on Sept. 4. He was a difference-maker as a 20-year-old before injuring his left ring finger.

    The Pirates are not a perfect team. Their defense is shaky, and too many members of their talented rotation have been inconsistent. However, Pittsburgh ranks sixth in pitcher strikeout rate at 24.1%, a trait that plays well in the postseason, and its offense still ranks fifth in runs scored.

    What happens if a team that has limped to a 65-71 record suddenly gets Skenes, Cruz, Griffin, Montgomery, Doval and Weaver contributing near their best?

    Pittsburgh is by far the least likely of these teams to reach the postseason. But if the Pirates earn a playoff spot, they may also have the largest gap between their regular-season record and their potential October ceiling.

  • Astros Players the Team Is Counting On in September

    Astros Players the Team Is Counting On in September

    This story was excerpted from Brian McTaggart’s Astros Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. Subscribe to receive it regularly in your inbox.

    NEW YORK — The final month of the season will determine the pennant races and playoff positioning for October. The Astros, who lead the American League West, have 24 games remaining and will open September with nine of their first 12 games against teams currently in playoff position.

    After going 8-18 in April, Houston has not had another losing month. The Astros went 15-14 in May, 16-11 in June, 13-10 in July and 14-13 in August. Last season, Houston went 12-13 in September and missed the playoffs by one game, ending an eight-year postseason streak.

    Five Astros who will shape September

    Yordan Alvarez

    After being named the American League Player of the Month for July — the second time he won the award in 2026 — Alvarez cooled off in August. Through 27 games, he slashed .287/.415/.457 with two home runs and 12 RBIs, while being intentionally walked nine times.

    Alvarez still held a lead in two of the three AL Triple Crown categories, with a .317 batting average and 94 RBIs. He was also tied with Junior Caminero for the Major League home run lead at 37. A strong finish could help Alvarez secure the AL Most Valuable Player Award while also delivering another division title for Houston.

    Hunter Brown

    Brown missed more than two months early in the season because of a right shoulder strain, so he should be fresh in September after throwing only 81 innings. He appeared to recapture his ace form in his final two starts of August, allowing two runs on 12 hits and four walks while striking out 14 batters over 12 1/3 innings.

    With shortcomings in the Astros’ starting rotation, Houston will rely on Brown to provide quality starts. September is the only month in which Brown has posted a losing record during his career, going 5-8 with a 4.22 ERA in 18 games, including 15 starts.

    Brandon Blubaugh

    The rookie reliever is emerging as an important late-inning weapon for manager Joe Espada. Blubaugh combines a 98-mph four-seam fastball that he can blow by hitters with the ability to work multiple innings.

    A closer in college, Blubaugh finished August with 12 consecutive scoreless innings across eight games. He leads the Major Leagues with 26 relief appearances of at least two innings, the most by an Astros pitcher since Dave Veres had 27 in 1995. Blubaugh also leads the Majors with 84 1/3 innings in relief. Opponents are hitting .200 against his fastball, while left-handed hitters have a .168 batting average against him.

    Jose Altuve

    Altuve began September six hits away from reaching 2,500 for his career, but the Astros’ offense needs the veteran second baseman to keep producing beyond that milestone. After slumping in June and July, Altuve posted an .813 OPS in August. He was given Monday off, which should be his final day off before the end of the season.

    Altuve has settled into the cleanup spot for much of the past month, an important role with Houston’s top three hitters — Jeremy Peña, Alvarez and Isaac Paredes — batting first, second and third on most nights. The Astros’ .223 batting average from the cleanup spot ranks second-worst in MLB.

    Carlos Correa

    Tuesday will be an important day for Correa. He is scheduled to visit a doctor for a four-month checkup after undergoing peroneus brevis tendon repair surgery on his left ankle May 11.

    The injury was initially expected to keep Correa out for the remainder of the season, but he began swinging the bat a month ago. A positive checkup Tuesday would allow him to begin running the bases and sliding, making a return more realistic.

    Espada would have to find a way to manage five infielders with Alvarez starting at designated hitter most nights, but that would be a good problem to have. Correa’s presence on the field and in the clubhouse would be enough to energize the club.

    Source: www.mlb.com

  • Carlos Correa Not Returning for 2026 Season

    Carlos Correa Not Returning for 2026 Season

    Houston Astros star third baseman Carlos Correa has officially ended his rehabilitation bid for the 2025 season, manager Joe Espada confirmed Tuesday. The decision comes after Correa experienced renewed soreness in his surgically repaired left ankle during workouts at the team’s spring training facility in West Palm Beach, Florida.

    Espada Prioritizes Long-Term Health Over Late-Season Return

    Correa had been progressing toward a potential minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Sugar Land later this week. However, the increased workload — particularly running the bases in spikes — triggered discomfort that forced the organization to shut down his comeback attempt.

    “We’re at a point where we have to be really smart about this,” Espada said. “It’s getting to a point where he wakes up in the morning and just to get him going, it’s tough. We have to be cautious with this guy.”

    The manager emphasized that the decision was driven by a need to protect Correa’s long-term availability, especially with the 31-year-old approaching his 32nd birthday on September 22.

    “I give him a ton of credit,” Espada said. “He worked his tail off trying to get back this season, and we all knew that there’s a chance for this to flare up on him again. But respect that he tried and did everything he could. But we’ve got to be smart about this and make sure he’s healthy for next season, and that’s the course we’re going to take.”

    From Surgery to Near Return: Correa’s Accelerated Timeline

    Correa underwent peroneus brevis tendon repair surgery on his left ankle on May 11, with an initial prognosis that he would miss the remainder of the season. His recovery accelerated unexpectedly, and by early August he had been cleared to swing a bat — fueling optimism about a possible return.

    The Astros’ surge to first place in the American League West on July 31 added urgency to his rehab. Correa himself expressed confidence in a potential comeback shortly after being cleared to hit.

    “I wouldn’t be doing all this work if I didn’t think there was a chance,” Correa said Aug. 1.

    He soon began running and taking ground balls, even practicing at second base — a position he had never played professionally — as the coaching staff explored ways to integrate him into the lineup.

    Disappointment Tempered by Commitment

    Espada acknowledged the emotional weight of the setback, given the sheer volume of effort Correa invested.

    “The most disappointing part is how much work he put in to try to get back,” Espada said. “You see a light at the end of the road, and the fact that we couldn’t get past the hours of work, the strain it caused to his ankle during his workouts, it’s sad. But at the same time, Carlos, just the fact he got this close, tells you how much he cares about this team and the organization.”

    Correa’s 2025 Production Before Injury

    Before the injury, which occurred while swinging in the batting cages, Correa was slashing .279/.369/.418 with three home runs and 16 RBIs in 32 games. Since returning to Houston via a trade deadline deal, he posted a .290/.355/.430 line with six homers and 21 RBIs in 51 games, underscoring his offensive value to a club now destined for the postseason without him.