The Astros are losing Carlos Correa for the remainder of the season to an injury that happened before their game against the Dodgers even started Tuesday.
Correa suffered a torn left ankle tendon in a freak batting practice injury that requires surgery, and will be sidelined for six to eight months, according to MLB.com.
The Astros scratched Correa from the lineup before Tuesday’s game, and he was scheduled to see a foot specialist Wednesday, according to ESPN.
“He was just getting his swings in and suffered (the injury) while he was taking a swing,” manager Joe Espada said Tuesday night.
Isaac Paredes is expected to slot in as the regular third baseman now.
Correa was one of the bright spots as the Astros’ leadoff hitter — slashing .279/.369/.418 with three home runs for a team that is off to a dreadful 15-22 start.
He was not available to reporters after Houston’s 2-1 win, as he had already left the ballpark.
“Carlos is a cornerstone in this clubhouse,” first baseman Christian Walker told MLB.com.
“The guys lean on him. We look to him for leadership. I know that his presence will continue to be felt, but we’re just going to continue to pray for him and stay positive.”
It marked the second straight day that Houston scratched a player about an hour before the game.
Catcher Yainer Diaz was removed from the lineup Monday after injuring an oblique during batting practice.
Starting outfielders Joey Loperfido and Jake Meyers, along with shortstop Jeremy Peña, are also all on the IL, further complicating Houston’s woes.
Concerns over his other ankle are what spoiled Correa’s free agency in 2023 before he signed with the Twins. Mega-deals with first the Giants and then the Mets both fell through over worries that his right ankle presented long-term risk.
On Tuesday, the Astros moved Nick Allen from third base to shortstop to take Correa’s spot on defense and Braden Shewmake was put into the lineup to play third base.
Jose Altuve moved from fifth in the order to the leadoff spot to take Correa’s place and Shewmake batted ninth.
Walker and Shewmake hit the first two home runs of the season off Shohei Ohtani to lead the Astros to the victory.
— With AP
