Houston – Manager Joe Espada confirmed Tuesday that shortstop Carlos Correa will not return to the field this season. The decision comes after the former No. 1 overall pick experienced a flare‑up of ankle inflammation while ramping up his rehabilitation activities.
Medical setback and timeline
Correa underwent left‑ankle surgery on May 11, a procedure that was originally projected to sideline him for six to eight months. After a promising weekend that suggested a possible return, the Astros opted to halt his comeback and prioritize a full recovery for the 2027 spring training camp.
Espada explained that the inflammation was not a new injury but rather a reaction to the increased workload during rehab. “It’s just the buildup and every day we did a little bit more around the bases, the swinging on the field, the just being on the spikes for such a long time, it just kind of flared up on him,” the manager said. “The smart thing to do right now is for Carlos to focus on next season.”
Impact on the Astros’ playoff push
The Astros entered Tuesday night’s game against the Kansas City Royals holding a one‑game lead over the Texas Rangers for first place in the AL West. While Correa’s absence is a blow to the lineup, Espada stressed that the team will continue to compete for the division crown without him.
“It’s disappointing to know how hard he worked and it just came up short,” Espada added. “The most disappointing part is seeing the light at the end of the road and then not being able to get past the strain that caused his ankle during workouts.”
Future outlook
Espada does not anticipate Correa returning for any postseason games, even if Houston advances deep into the playoffs. “We’re at a point where we have to be really smart about this,” he said. “It’s gotten to a point where it’s tough for him to get going. Like he wakes up in the morning and just to get him going it’s tough and we have to be cautious with this.”
Correa, who was acquired from the Minnesota Twins in a blockbuster trade last summer, has been a key contributor at both shortstop and third base. Before his injury this season, he was hitting .279 with three home runs and 16 RBIs. He remains under contract for $31.5 million this season, $30.5 million in 2027, and $30 million in 2028, with the Twins covering $10 million of his salary each December through 2028 as part of the trade agreement.
What’s next for Houston
The Astros will look to other players to fill the void left by Correa’s absence as they chase a postseason berth. Manager Espada expects the team to rely on its depth and continue to develop younger talent while keeping an eye on Correa’s health for a full‑season return next year.
Original reporting: Fort Worth, TX Sports (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
