Major League Baseball

Altuve may return to Astros' lineup Monday

Published Jun. 22, 2015 12:53 a.m. ET

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Jose Altuve's balky hamstring has kept him out of duty for the Houston Astros for the past four games, but their star second baseman could return on Monday - emphasis on 'could'.

On Sunday, Altuve did more rigorous drills on the field but didn't wind up in manager A.J. Hinch's lineup. Despite the decision to hold him back one more day, Hinch told Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle that he was basically available if needed: “I think he’s answered probably every test. There’s certain stuff we can’t do until you get into a game. But he’s making steady progress and we’re going to get him on the field pretty soon. He had his helmet on last night. Was going to pinch hit at one point. So he's available. But I'm going to hold off staring (sic) him until at least tomorrow."

Drellich added that Altuve says he doesn't feel any more discomfort with his left hamstring, so it seems likely that he'll get in the Astros' lineup Monday night in Anaheim.

(h/t Houston Chronicle)