Astros' George Springer Diagnosed with Contusion After X-Ray on Elbow Injury

Joseph Zucker @@JosephZuckerFeatured ColumnistAugust 25, 2020

Houston Astros' George Springer (4) crosses the plate after hitting a two run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fifth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Matt York/Associated Press

Houston Astros star George Springer suffered a left elbow contusion after being hit by a pitch in Monday night's game against the Los Angeles Angels.

Springer exited the game after being hit by a pitch from Angels right-hander Jacob Barnes in the bottom of the sixth inning. He was 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in the contest.

The 30-year-old is considered day-to-day.

Springer left the Astros' 5-4 defeat to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Aug. 6 with a wrist injury. Manager Dusty Baker initially indicated the issue appeared to be minor. He wound up being sidelined for four games.

Brian McTaggart @brianmctaggart
Dusty Baker said George Springer went to see a hand specialist today to confirm nothing is broken in wrist. "We’re going to try to do all we can, and he’s going to try to do all he can, not to go on the IL. We’re playing short a little bit," he said.

Springer enjoyed a career year in 2019 despite being limited to 122 games. He finished with 39 home runs, 96 RBI and a .591 slugging percentage.

He has been unable to maintain that level of success to start this season, as he was hitting .200 with four home runs and 15 RBI in 23 appearances entering Monday.

The three-time All-Star's offensive prowess has rarely been in doubt, but his durability is another matter. He didn't miss a single game in 2016. In the five years since, he has yet to log more than 140 appearances.

Houston sits four games back of the first-place Oakland Athletics in the American League West. Even if the team doesn't win the division for a fourth straight season, playoff expansion has lowered the bar for entry into the postseason.

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An injury would be a setback for the Astros as they look to return to the World Series.