Major League Baseball

Astros anticipating Lowrie's return to lineup

Published Jun. 15, 2015 12:47 a.m. ET

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The Houston Astros have maintained their hold on first place in the American League West without the services of shortstop Jed Lowrie, who has been out since late April/early May after needing thumb surgery.

After Sunday's win, Houston sits at 36-28, holding a 2.5 game lead over the Texas Rangers in the West having experienced a bit of a rough stretch this past week. Speaking with Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle, manager A.J. Hinch said the club will welcome Lowrie back once he's able to return (at some point after the All-Star Break).

Hinch said of Lowrie: “That’s been a tough loss for us on a lot of fronts. I think his presence on our club was very big for us. But you know, can’t really have him back until he’s healthy. So we’ll happily welcome him back when he is well..."

Hinch added that Lowrie won't likely resume shortstop duties now that phenom Carlos Correa has arrived on the scene, but he'll instead find playing time elsewhere (perhaps third base and first base).

Speaking to Drellich, Astros G.M. Jeff Luhnow said that Lowrie's impending return could be seen as 'one of our key July acquisitions', given the timing of his expected activation off the disabled list.

In 18 games with the Astros before his injury, Lowrie slashed .300/.432/.567 with four home runs and 10 RBIs.

(h/t Houston Chronicle)