HOUSTON -- After missing four consecutive games with a sore left hamstring, shortstop Carlos Correa returned to the Astros' starting lineup on Monday, batting in his usual three-hole for the series opener against the Mariners.
"It feels great, really good," Correa said. "I'm ready to go, so we're going to be out there playing today. Really exciting."
After the last of his on-field tests to determine his availability, Correa said he was feeling the best he had over the last few days, passing the tests that included lateral movement, backward movement and side-to-side movement.
The Astros went 2-2 in Correa's absence and sit three games up in the American League West over the surging Rangers -- all the more reason for Correa to be eager to see the field again.