Astros reinstate Springer, bat him leadoff

The division-leading Houston Astros activated outfielder George Springer from the 15-day disabled list ahead of Friday's series opener against the Minnesota Twins.

Springer will bat leadoff and play right field in his first game in more than two months.

He has been out with a right wrist fracture since July 2, a day after he was hit by a pitch against the Royals. At the time, he was hitting .264 with 14 doubles, 13 home runs, 29 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases in 75 games.

The Astros lead the AL West, but the gap has shrunk to two games over the Texas Rangers entering Friday's games.

Houston also recalled right-handed pitcher Michael Feliz from Double A Corpus Christi, bringing their active roster to 31.

- With files from theScore