For the first time since fracturing a bone in his left hand in late March, Astros infielder Clint Barmes was able to put on a glove Saturday and play catch.
The 32-year-old reported no abnormal pain or discomfort in his hand during or after the light workout and still has his sights set on a late April or early May return to the major leagues.
Barmes spoke Sunday morning with Zachary Levine of the Houston Chronicle and seemed optimistic about reaching that goal:
“It was sore, but I didn’t expect to come out and feel 100 percent on my first day,” Barmes said. “It was great to be out on the field with a glove on my hand.”
Barmes is aiming to take dry swings with a bat on Monday, then he’ll slowly progress to live batting practice. Once activated from the disabled list, he should begin seeing regular starts at shortstop for Houston.