ARLINGTON -- Marwin Gonzalez returned to the lineup on Wednesday, starting at third base, after missing the two previous two games with a swollen left index finger and a sore wrist. Third baseman Jed Lowrie (foot) and catcher Jason Castro (quad) could return on Thursday, and center fielder Carlos Gomez (intercostal) could be out for a few more days.
Here's how the Astros' injured players are mending:
• Gomez, who sustained a mild strain of his left intercostal during batting practice on Sunday, was able to do some trunk exercises on Wednesday without any soreness but appears to be a few days away from swinging a bat.