Carlos Correa continues ramp-up at Houston Astros' facility in Florida in bid to return this season

Third baseman Carlos Correa arrived at the Houston Astros minor-league facility in West Palm Beach, Florida, to continue his recovery from ankle surgery and aim to return to the majors this season. Astros manager Joe Espada confirmed Correa hit in the cages and took ground balls in Florida on Saturday. The third baseman underwent ankle surgery in early May, and while initially expected to end his season, he now has a chance to play again.

Correa and the Astros are considering the possibility of his participation in the upcoming regular season with 20 games left in the American League West. So far, Correa hasn't faced live pitching or run bases, and he reports running at 95% but still faces challenges such as changing direction, sliding, and planting in the batter's box.

The real test will be the upcoming Florida stretch, where he expects to get live at-bats, but minor-league rehab games may still be necessary. Outfielder Brice Matthews, who is rehabbing from a left knee sprain, will run bases this weekend, and he could begin a minor-league rehab assignment soon. Meanwhile, pitcher Mike Burrows, who was removed from a rehab assignment due to shoulder inflammation, is performing light catch and will join the team upon their upcoming road trip.