Carlos Correa (ankle) nearing September return

It was widely assumed that Correa would miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn tendon in his ankle back in mid-May. Now, it seems like there’s a decent chance he’s back at some point in September. He was cleared to resume swinging a bat earlier this month and is probably close to starting a minor league rehab assignment in the next few weeks.

Correa is holding out hope that he’ll make it back after undergoing what was originally believed to be season-ending surgery to repair a torn tendon in his ankle back in mid-May. The 31-year-old infielder remains without a definitive return timetable, but it sounds like there’s a chance he’s back at some point in September.

Correa underwent what was supposed to be season-ending ankle surgery to repair a torn tendon back in mid-May. He’s due for a followup appointment on Tuesday, after which he hopes to start hitting. It’d be interesting to see how the Astros would fit Correa in if he’s able to make it back. Jose Altuve seems like their weak link in the infield right now, but none of the alternatives are experienced at second. If Christian Walker is still struggling, perhaps he could do some sitting, with Isaac Paredes moving to first. Of course, Correa still have a few hurdles to clear before it’s worth giving this serious thought.

The procedural move opened up a spot on Houston’s roster for closer Josh Hader. Correa underwent season-ending ankle surgery last month. He’s expected to be ready for the start of spring training.

Technically, Correa tore the peroneus brevis tendon in his left ankle. The 31-year-old infielder suffered the injury during pregame batting practice last week. His absence means Isaac Paredes will handle the hot corner for the remainder of the year, which is undoubtedly a boost to his fantasy appeal.

This is just a brutal blow for an Astros team, whose starting rotation has also been ransacked by injuries. Correa felt a pop while taking a swing during pregame batting practice on Tuesday and went down in pain. The recovery time for this injury is 6 to 8 months, so he should be able to return for the start of the 2027 season. In the meantime, Isaac Paredes will become a full-time player at third base for the Astros and should be picked up in any leagues where he is still on the waiver wires.

Correa will visit a foot specialist on Wednesday. It’s probably a good thing that that is the left ankle, as opposed to the right one that caused Correa to flunk physicals with the Mets and Giants as a free agent three years ago. Still, a lengthy absence appears likely here. The Astros will get by with Nick Allen and Braden Shewmake until Jeremy Peña comes off the IL, something that will hopefully happen next week. While this is definitely a blow, it at least will serve to settle the Houston infield, with Isaac Paredes playing third regularly and Yordan Alvarez DHing most of the time.

Correa suffered a left ankle injury during batting practice, marking the second consecutive contest that the Astros have lost a starter to injury during warmups. He’ll undergo evaluation and imaging to determine the severity of the issue. There should be an update on his status following the contest.

Correa broke a scoreless tie in the third inning when he smacked a leadoff homer off of Jake Bennett to give the Astros a 1-0 lead. He continues to swing a hot bat for the Astros, slashing .286/.379/.482 over his last 15 games while hitting two homers and driving in six runs. With only three homers on the season, we still shouldn’t expect much from Correa in the power department, but he’s producing at a consistent level.

Neither is Carlos Correa. The Astros will roll with a double play combination of Brice Matthews at second base and Braden Shewmake at shortstop against RHP Brandon Young.