HOUSTON -- As the Houston Astros continued their offensive struggles on Tuesday night, one foundation piece of their lineup took a significant step toward a much-awaited return.
All-Star shortstop Carlos Correa participated in batting practice for the first time since landing on the 10-day disabled list on July 18.
The Tuesday fill-in at shortstop, Marwin Gonzalez, struck out in all three at-bats as the Astros lost 4-3 to the Washington Nationals in the opener of a three-game series. The teams meet again Wednesday at Minute Maid Park.
Sidelined following surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb, Correa took ground balls earlier on Tuesday, then hit in the underground cage before joining his teammates on the field.