George Springer Diagnosed with Concussion; Will Miss 'A Few Games' with Injury

Houston Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow told reporters that center fielder George Springer will be out for a few games due to a mild concussion suffered Tuesday.

Per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com, Luhnow said the team hopes to have Springer back sometime early next week following medical clearance.

Springer suffered the concussion in the fifth inning of a 4-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers after making a leaping catch at the outfield wall. Unfortunately, the six-year veteran hit his head while robbing outfielder Ryan Braun. He stood up with assistance before being carted off the field.

The 2017 World Series MVP has 30 home runs, 78 RBI and a .389 OPS in 105 games this season.

He'll likely miss the Astros' entire four-game set against the Seattle Mariners, which stretches from Thursday through Sunday.

The question is whether Springer can return sometime during a crucial four-game home series with the hard-charging Oakland Athletics, who are second in the American League West and fighting for a wild-card berth. That matchup stretches from Monday through next Thursday.

The A's likely aren't catching the Astros, who are nine games back of Houston with 24 contests remaining. However, the stiff competition may hinder Houston's chances to take the American League's No. 1 seed, which is currently held by the New York Yankees. The Bronx Bombers are a game-and-a-half ahead in the AL standings.

Sans Springer, the team should turn to Jake Marisnick to man center field. The 28-year-old has nine home runs, 31 RBI and a .237 batting average in addition to 10 stolen bases. He's also an excellent defensive outfielder capable of making highlight-reel plays every night.

Kyle Tucker could also see additional playing time. The September 1 callup, who replaced Springer in the lineup Tuesday, hit 34 home runs for the Triple-A Round Rock Express.

The Astros have gone 21-14 in Springer's absence, which was primarily caused by a Grade 2 hamstring strain suffered in May. Still, the team could use his power from the leadoff spot as soon as possible en route to their push for the AL's No. 1 seed.