Astros’ playoff push could get huge Carlos Correa boost soon

The Houston Astros could get a late boost in the AL West race after Carlos Correa was cleared for the next stage of his rehab, less than four months after left ankle surgery.

Correa’s next step will be a trip to West Palm Beach this week as he continues working toward a return. The Astros sit at 70-69, holding a 1.5-game AL West lead over the Rangers with 23 games remaining.

The Crush City Territory podcast shared an update Wednesday on X, formerly Twitter, from The Athletic’s Chandler Rome, who expressed his belief the veteran could contribute before the regular season ends.

“It’s really looking like he’ll be a factor in maybe these last few weeks of the season.”

Carlos Correa will head to West Palm Beach this week after being cleared for baseball activities, says @Chandler_Rome.

"It's really looking like he'll be a factor in maybe these last few weeks of the season." pic.twitter.com/CVJLJy3jE0

— Crush City Territory (@CrushCityShow) September 2, 2026

Correa tore the peroneus brevis tendon in his left ankle during batting practice on May 5 and underwent surgery six days later. The original six-to-eight-month recovery timeline initially made the injury season-ending.

The 31-year-old received clearance to ramp up following a checkup Tuesday. He has already progressed to sprinting at roughly 95 percent, fielding at third base and hitting off a machine.

Correa still must clear several hurdles before returning. His work in Florida will include live pitching, baserunning, sliding, and bridge games before a rehab assignment.

Before the injury, the 2015 AL Rookie of the Year was hitting .279 with a .369 on-base percentage and .418 slugging percentage across 32 games. He also recorded three home runs, eight doubles, and 16 RBIs.

Manager Joe Espada previously said he expected Correa to return at some point in September. If he does, Espada plans to use him at third base with Jeremy Pena remaining the club’s everyday shortstop.

Correa has not received clearance to return, but his upcoming work in West Palm Beach marks a key step toward rejoining the Astros.

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