MLB notebook: Astros SS Correa returns from rib injury

[July 27, 2019]  Astros standout shortstop Carlos Correa was activated off the 60-day injured list prior to Houston's Friday night road game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Correa, 24, had been sidelined with a fractured rib. Friday's game marked the first contest in exactly two months for Correa, who was slated to bat fifth against the Cardinals.

Correa, a 2017 All-Star, was batting .295 with 11 homers and 35 RBIs in 50 games prior to going on the IL. He said the injury occurred while he was receiving a massage.

Houston designated utility man Tony Kemp for assignment to open up a roster spot. Kemp, 27, was batting .227 with seven homers and 17 RBIs in 66 games.

--Madison Bumgarner might not be on the trade block after all.

MLB Network reported that the San Francisco Giants are planning to keep Bumgarner rather than making the left-hander available before the July 31 trade deadline. The team's resurgence has everything to do with the decision. According to the report, if the Giants are still making the climb out of the National League West cellar on Monday, they could become buyers at the deadline.

Bumgarner, who turns 30 on Aug. 1, is scheduled to start the series finale this weekend in San Diego, against whom the Giants have five straight wins. Bumgarner has given up only five total runs in his past three starts, including a complete game against the New York Mets on July 19.

--The Chicago Cubs acquired left-hander Derek Holland from the Giants for cash considerations.

Holland was designated for assignment by San Francisco on Sunday. He is 2-4 with a 5.90 ERA in 31 appearances (seven starts) this season.

Chicago designated left-hander Tim Collins for assignment to open up a roster spot. Collins, 29, had a 3.12 ERA in nine appearances for the Cubs.

--The Los Angeles Dodgers placed infielder David Freese on the 10-day injured list because of a left hamstring strain. Freese, 36, is batting .300 with nine homers and 27 RBIs in 66 games this season.

Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa watches from the dugout during a game against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The team also swapped catchers, sending Austin Barnes to Triple-A Oklahoma City and recalling Will Smith. The 24-year-old Smith has appeared in nine games for the Dodgers, batting .269 with three home runs and six RBIs, while Barnes, 29, played in 70 games with Los Angeles, batting .196 with five home runs and 23 RBIs.

The Dodgers also officially added infielder Tyler White to the 25-man roster after acquiring him Thursday from the Houston Astros for minor league right-hander Andre Scrubb. The 28-year-old batted .225 with three homers and 21 RBIs in 71 games for Houston.

--Seattle Mariners infielder Tim Lopes was placed on the seven-day concussion list, one day after being hit in the left side of his face with a pitch by Detroit Tigers right-hander Drew VerHagen.

Lopes, 25, was staggered by the pitch but remained in the game for two more innings before departing after the sixth inning. Manager Scott Servais said after Thursday's game that Lopes was hit in the jaw.

Thursday's contest marked Lopes' first career start and second big league game. Seattle recalled infielder Ryan Court from Triple-A Tacoma on Friday and transferred infielder Ryon Healy (back) to the 60-day injured list to open up a 40-man roster spot for Court.

--Field Level Media

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