Astros All-Star Isaac Paredes optimistic after taking grounders

HOUSTON – Isaac Paredes is still uncertain if he’ll return this season from a torn right hamstring. Yet, the Astros’ All-Star third baseman was pleased after taking grounders and jogging on Wednesday for the first time since he went on the injured list in July.

“I’m still not 100,” he said, “but I felt good and I felt happy about that.”

Paredes was one of the Astros’ top two hitters this season before he pulled his right hamstring on July 19 against the Mariners. The Astros initially feared that Paredes was done for the season, which is a major reason they acquired Carlos Correa from the Twins and Ramon Urias from Orioles at the July 31 trade deadline.

Paredes chose to rehab the hamstring instead of undergoing right hamstring surgery. And now he’s hopeful about returning this season.

‘Putting effort’ into rehab

“I chose the rehab because the opinions from doctors were various,” he said. “I went with the positive to be able to recover and I wanted to do what’s possible to return this season. Right now we don’t know.

“The season is ending, and we don’t know if we’ll return. We’re day to day and putting effort into the recovery to be ready soon.”

Isaac Paredes has diligently followed the Astros doctors’ rehab instructions. On Tuesday he took batting practice in the indoor batting cages at Daikin Park for the first time since he was injured. Then on Wednesday Paredes jogged in the outfield, took grounders at second and third base and then took batting practice.

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“I felt good, good,” said the two-time All-Star from Hermosillo, Mexico. “It was very positive 100 percent, but those are grounders that are coming straight at me. But I haven’t taken them to the side yet to react.”

The Astros acquired Paredes along with Cam Smith in the three-player package they received from the Chicago Cubs for Kyle Tucker in December.  He had a team-high 19 home runs and 50 RBIs before he was hurt. 

Correa appears locked in at third base, so Paredes may be asked to move to second base next season. If he returns this season, though, Paredes said he assumes he’ll be used more as a designated hitter.

Heading to Florida

First, however, he must get back to 100 percent with his right hamstring, or at least close to 100 percent. He’ll head to the Astros’ spring training facility in West Palm Beach, Fla., to continue his rehab. 

“Today was a really good day for Paredes,” Astros manager Joe Espada said. 

Espada notes that it’s too early to know if Paredes will return this season. Nonetheless, “I am really happy with what I saw today,” Espada said.