Chas McCormick of the Houston Astros is nearing a minor-league rehab assignment, following his recovery from a left oblique strain. After participating in batting practice, the manager indicated that McCormick will likely head to Florida's minor-league facility soon for live pitching practice, before joining Triple-A Sugar Land for rehab games. McCormick was initially placed on the injured list on May 31 due to the injury sustained against the Rays, ending his pre-injury performance with a .256 batting average.

McCormick is not alone in his recovery efforts; fellow outfielders Yordan Alvarez, Zach Dezenzo, and Jacob Melton are also rehabbing from various injuries. Alvarez, sidelined since May 2 due to a hand fracture, is progressing well, having recently participated in hitting and defensive drills. The Astros are looking to bolster their roster with these key players returning, which could be crucial as the season progresses.

Yordan Alvarez, the Houston Astros' star slugger, is making strides in his recovery from a right hand fracture, as he swung a bat on Sunday for the first time since early May. Manager Joe Espada shared that Alvarez felt good while hitting and will continue to progress with additional batting sessions. However, the team has not decided if he will embark on a minor league rehab assignment prior to his activation.

In other injury news, right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. successfully threw off a mound, while outfielder Zach Dezenzo remains sidelined. Several other players, including Chas McCormick, Jacob Melton, and Brendan Rodgers, are also working through hitting and throwing progressions. As the season progresses, the health of these players will be crucial for the Astros' playoff aspirations.

The Houston Astros have reinstated outfielder Taylor Trammell from the injured list, adding a left-handed bat to their lineup, which has struggled against left-handed pitching this season. Trammell, who has been recovering from a right calf injury sustained earlier in spring training, brings experience after playing 126 career games in the majors and covers all outfield positions.

In a corresponding move, infielder Shay Whitcomb was optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land. Houston's outfield is currently dealing with injuries, missing key players like Yordan Alvarez and Chas McCormick. The Astros' general manager indicated that acquiring a left-handed hitter is a priority as the trade deadline approaches.

The Philadelphia Phillies face a significant challenge with their outfield, where struggling hitters threaten their postseason ambitions. Nicholas Castellanos stands out as the only consistent performer at the plate, yet he has been rated poorly defensively. In light of this, the Phillies seem interested in Chas McCormick, an outfielder from the Houston Astros, who has shown flashes of potential despite battling injuries. McCormick enjoyed a successful 2023 season with a .273 average and 19 stolen bases but is currently recovering from an oblique strain. If acquired, he could provide a low-risk, high-reward option for the Phillies.

Chas McCormick of the Houston Astros has begun swinging a bat as he recovers from a left oblique strain. This step in his rehabilitation follows his placement on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to May 30. Manager Joe Espada confirmed that McCormick's first swings since the injury took place on Friday. Currently, McCormick has a .256 batting average, a .347 on-base percentage, and a .302 slugging percentage over 36 games this season.

On another injury front, Yordan Alvarez remains sidelined due to a right hand fracture, while teammate Zach Dezenzo is recovering from a left hand capsule sprain. Dezenzo was also placed on the 10-day IL on June 3 and is awaiting further evaluation after two weeks.