Carlos Correa took live batting practice for the first time since early May this Saturday, a massive step in his rehab from left ankle surgery. After tearing his peroneus brevis tendon, this is the first time Correa has faced live pitching as he tries to make it back to the Astros before the season wraps up. He was down in West Palm Beach, Fla., at the Astros’ minor-league complex, putting in the work.
Correa Ramps Up Rehab Amidst Infield Shuffle
Saturday was a busy day for Correa. Not only did he face live pitching, but he also ran bases and fielded ground balls. Astros manager Joe Espada confirmed the progress, saying Correa is “doing very well” and that he’s “really happy where he’s at right now.” The plan is for Correa to get even more live at-bats on Sunday. Espada didn’t spill the beans on where Correa is doing his defensive work, but the buzz is starting to build around a surprising new possibility.
A Wild Infield Shift Nobody Saw Coming?
Here’s the real kicker: The Athletic reported that the Astros are thinking about playing Correa at second base if he returns this year. Let that sink in. Correa has *never* played on the right side of the infield in the majors. Before he left for Florida, Correa was only taking grounders at third base during his rehab. Manager Espada even said recently that if Correa came back, it would be as the third baseman. But now, with Jose Altuve racking up a negative-17 defensive runs saved at second base this season, the lowest among second basemen, suddenly that option is on the table. Isaac Paredes has been solid at third, holding down the fort since Correa went down, and his bat is clearly a priority for a team that leads the AL West and eyes a playoff berth. Paredes also has the second-highest OPS-plus among active Astros. Houston has a puzzle on their hands with Peña at short and Christian Walker at first.
Playing second base would be a completely different animal for a lifelong shortstop like Correa, even after smoothly transitioning to third base last August. While his baseball IQ is off the charts, tackling a brand-new position while coming back from major surgery is a serious wrinkle. One permutation involves playing Yordan Alvarez in left field and Altuve at DH, opening up second for either Correa or Paredes. But the Astros are famously hesitant to play Alvarez in left regularly, so how often that could happen is anyone’s guess.
Correa’s return to the field is huge, but where he actually ends up playing is the big question mark. All eyes are on those live at-bats Sunday and any news on where he’s taking those grounders.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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