Astros' Joe Espada reveals encouraging Jake Meyers update

Astros’ Joe Espada reveals encouraging Jake Meyers update originally appeared on The Sporting News

The Houston Astros are looking to stave off the Seattle Mariners in the AL West to secure the division title. Fortunately, while the Astros have struggled, so too have the Mariners.

But now with Yordan Alvarez back after missing the last 100 games, the Astros are also looking to see the return of one of their other outfielders this season. Both were hurt, and while Alvarez is back, another is closing in on a return.

According to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com, Astros manager Joe Espada revealed a very encouraging update on injured Astros outfielder Jake Meyers, as he’s set to begin a rehab assignment on Wednesday, August 27th.

Astros Get Great Jake Meyers Update

The Astros have been missing consistent outfield play this season, and while Jesus Sanchez was added at the trade deadline, Chas McCormick got healthy, and Alvarez is now back, the team needs an everyday center fielder.

Fortunately, Meyers is set to begin a rehab assignment on Wednesday, August 27th. The breakout center fielder has missed over a month since injuring his right calf, which he aggravated on his way out to center field after missing some time.

It was a grossly mishandled injury, and while he’s missed significant time, he’s now slated to return to the club soon, as he’s beginning a rehab assignment to ramp up his workload.

Getting him back in the lineup, with his .308 batting average, will be a nice plus for the Astros. But his defense in the center field will also be a nice boost.

The 29-year-old has been breaking out in a major way this season. He had been a solid player over the last few years, but his production through the Astros’ first 89 games this season was a massive reason for their success.

MORE: Astros’ Joe Espada provides unclear injury update on Jake Meyers

Now, with the division close thanks to the Astros’ struggles and the Mariners’ resurgence, the Astros need all the help they can get to stay atop the Mariners. Alvarez is a good start, but getting Meyers back would help create a healthy lineup for the first time in a while.

Even with Isaac Paredes on the injured list, thanks to Carlos Correa, the Astros’ lineup could be fairly complete as long as Meyers returns to the lineup, and the rest of the position players are slotted into the lineup.

After some unclear injury reports over the last few weeks, this update from Espada on Meyers is a very encouraging sign. Starting a rehab assignment means that Meyers is getting closer to returning to the Astros lineup.

It comes at the perfect time, with the team looking to secure the AL West and make a run in the postseason. Meyer’s return would be a nice boost for the Astros, and this update is a great first step towards his return.

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Astros’ Joe Espada reveals encouraging Jake Meyers update

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