Infielders

Houston Astros star Jose Altuve appears to be having difficulty getting over the knee injury that has had him on the disabled list since July 29th.

Altuve joined a cavalry of Astros players who returned to Houston for visits with the medical staff.

Carlos Correa signs autographs before the Corpus Christi Hooks' game against the Tulsa Drillers at Whataburger Field on Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2018. Correa, from the Houston Astros, is currently playing for the Hooks on rehab assignment.

Astros shortstop Carlos Correa, who has been out since late June with a lower back injury, will likely be activated for this weekend's series against the Mariners.

2018: 22 HR, .277 BA, 71 RBI (6th),Career: 49 HR, .278 BA, 176 RBI, 3B/SS, AllStar, Astros 2016-2018, b:R/t:R, born in NM 1994, A-Breg

It doesn't take much effort to make a case that the Astros have the best rotation in the Major Leagues in 2018. It's actually harder to find reasons to suggest that they don't. The Astros have a 2.25 ERA, by far the best in the Majors. They have the best strikeout rate (30.1 percent), the lowest average against (.189), the lowest slugging against (.316), and they've done it all while throwing the most innings (308). They've been so good that their .188/.253/.316 line against basically means that every hitter against them turns into Michael A. Taylor, who's hitting .185/.255/.305. Even better, think about it this way: The entire Astros rotation is striking hitters out like Luis Severino (30.8 percent), allowing the same average as Chris Sale (.188) and limiting slugging like Max Scherzer (.319). That is, of course, ridiculous.

Houston Astros: What to Expect from the Middle Infield.

Check the starting lineup and batting order for the Houston Astros on ESPN.com.

Complete Houston Astros team roster on ESPN.com, including all players, positions, jersey numbers, 40-man, and active roster listings.

Houston Astros infielder Carlos Correa, who is rehabbing with the Hooks, hit a 445-foot home run on Saturday.