Nothing has seemed to go right for the Houston Astros, who find themselves at the bottom of the AL West, early on in the 2024 MLB season. However, things might be coming back around Houston's way as the Astros are nearing the return of two key difference makers.
Both Jose Urquidy and and Chas McCormick are expected to begin their rehab assignments at the Triple-A level over the weekend, via MLB.com. Urquidy will pitch on Sunday and is expected to throw between 60-65 pitches. McCormick will play around 3-5 games, depending on how his body responds after each contest.
The outfielder has been out since late April with a hamstring strain. However, he has been able to run the bases, via Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle, and is now cleared for a rehab assignment. Barring a setback, McCormick seems poised to make a quick return to the majors. Through the 21 games McCormick has played in 2024, he has hit .236 with eight RBI and two stolen bases.
Urquidy has yet to make his 2024 debut after suffering a forearm injury in spring training. Before embarking on his rehab assignment, Urquidy was able to face live batters on May 7, via Kawahara. The right-hander struggled in 2023, pitching to a 3-3 record with a 5.29 ERA and a 45/25 K/BB ratio.
Still, Jose Urquidy is a vital part of Houston's pitching rotation. As is Chas McCormick to the Astros' outfield alignment. At 13-24, Houston still has plenty of ground to make up in the AL West race. But a return of both players should get the Astros closer to contention.
Astros battling injuries alongside slow start
Urquidy and McCormick aren't the only Astros battling back from injury. While Christian Javier is set to make his return on May 11, Houston has been decimated in their pitching rotation.
Lance McCullers and Luis Garcia are both on the 60-day injured list. Both are battling elbow injuries and have a load road to return. However, they were able to play catch on Monday, via Chandler Rome of The Athletic. If Houston were to make a playoff run, they'd hope both pitchers – alongside Urquidy – will make the postseason roster.
Houston's bullpen has been no stranger to their share of injury problems as well. Kendall Graveman, Penn Murfee, Oliver Ortega and Bennett Sousa are all on the 60-day injured list. All of that on top of Josh Hader‘s immense struggles.
It's only May and the Astros still have plenty of time to turn things around. But it's clear some form of change is needed in Houston. Perhaps that change will be the return of Urquidy and McCormick. In need of a spark, the Astros could emphatically use both of their contributions. With their rehab assignments set to begin, those returns could come sooner rather than later.
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