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The Houston Astros climb to the top of the American League Wild Card standings has been littered with injuries. Two the most significant injuries were to RHP Lance McCullers and third baseman Alex Bregman.
Both players took major steps to returning to live action yesterday if Houston makes the playoffs.
Houston Chronicle's Angel Verdejo Jr. is reporting that McCullers threw off the mound and Bregman ran for the first time since their respective injures — as announced by Astros manager A.J. Hinch before Thursday’s game against the Angels.
Hinch: McCullers threw off a mound for the 1st time since Aug. 2. Full bullpen (about 30 pitches) with itensity. Big 1st step. #Astros
— Angel Verdejo Jr. (@ahverdejo) September 22, 2016
Alex Bregman (hamstring) ran for the 1st time since his injury. Said he feels fine but no timetable on a return. #Astros
— Angel Verdejo Jr. (@ahverdejo) September 22, 2016
McCullers, 22, last pitched on Aug. 2 as he has been dealing with an elbow strain. The young right-hander has proven to be one of the Astros strongest arms over the past two season. He was 6-5 with a 3.22 ERA in 14 starts in 2016 before going on the self.
Bregman, 22, suffered a hamstring injury since Sept. 14 when exited a game against the Rangers after running from second to third. The LSU product established himself as the Astros’ everyday third baseman and batted at the top of the lineup.
While this is positive news for Houston, both players are still don’t have a timetable for a return.