HOUSTON -- Astros All-Star outfielder George Springer hit on the field prior to Tuesday's game against the Rockies at Minute Maid Park and is expected to be activated from the disabled list Friday. He's been out since spraining his left thumb on Aug. 5.
"This is big for me," Springer said. "I've got to be able to play, and I want to play."
Springer is hitting .250 with 19 homers and 58 RBIs in 109 games for the Astros this season. Houston manager AJ Hinch said Springer threw and ran on the bases on Tuesday and will do the same Wednesday, with the hope he'd be ready to play against the A's following Thursday's off-day.