Astros outfielder George Springer had a scary collision with the center-field wall at Minute Maid Park on Tuesday, but he only missed three games, as the team posted its Sunday lineup with Springer in it.
Team doctors diagnosed Springer with a mild concussion after he made a terrific catch Tuesday against the Brewers, then fell backward head-first into the wall. Springer was able to get to his feet but the Astros removed him from the game.
George Springer just made an incredible leaping catch. Hit his head on the wall and is currently down. Hope he’s alright. pic.twitter.com/n1uaaAnm0h
— Ben Porter (@Ben13Porter) September 4, 2019
A short recovery
The Astros had Wednesday off, so Springer rested until Thursday. At that time, however, the team revealed his mild concussion and he wasn’t in the lineup for the series opener against the Seattle Mariners.
Springer also missed Friday’s game, but before Saturday’s action, manager A.J. Hinch said Springer would be available to pinch hit. He didn’t, but he is in Sunday’s lineup for the series finale.
Concussions, of course, are serious matters, and the sports world has treated them as such in recent years. But Springer passed all protocols and is ready to return.
Springer back. 👀
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🎟 https://t.co/n7cewKeHwz #TakeItBack pic.twitter.com/EYRdBab91M— Houston Astros (@astros) September 8, 2019
More depth for Houston
Springer’s absence was no problem for Houston. The Astros won all three games he missed, rallying from 7-0 down against Seattle on Thursday.
Kyle Tucker, one of the organization’s best prospects, filled in for Springer. His experience gives the Astros more outfield depth as they battle the Yankees and Dodgers for the best record in baseball and home-field advantage in the World Series, should they make it.
The Astros and Yankees are 93-50 entering Sunday’s action, with the Dodgers 1.5 games behind at 92-52.
After blasting a career-high 34 homers this year in #MiLB, Kyle Tucker hit his first #MLB homer tonight for the #Astros. pic.twitter.com/312aP1SHA0
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) September 6, 2019
