Astros Injury Updates: Latest News on Alvarez, Altuve, McCullers, McCormick and Brantley

Houston Astros have a handful of players dealing with injuries, and many of them are inching closer to returning to the club.

With the Houston Astros finishing off the final game of a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays before a much-needed day off, it's time to take a quick glance at the team's latest injuries and how the players are fairing leading up to this weekend.

Most recently, outfielder and designated hitter Yordan Alvarez was sent back to Houston prior to the Astros three-game road series with the Rays for X-rays on a sore neck.

Alvarez heads to Houston with neck discomfort, hoping to avoid time on IL

Alvarez flew back to Houston on Monday and is undergoing further tests as the Astros air on the side of caution with one of their star players.

Houston skipper Dusty Baker told MLB.com that the All-Star left fielder has been dealing with the injury "for about a week," and the team is hopeful he will avoid any time on the injured list.

Altuve could be back sooner than expected

Altuve is continuing to heal much quicker than originally anticipated, as the Astros are cautiously optimistic that the second baseman could return to the team ahead of schedule.

He underwent thumb surgery on March 22, with Houston general manager Dana Brown telling reporters Altuve would likely be out for two months.

At best, Altuve could rejoin the club by late-May or early-June as Houston eagerly awaits the All-Star's return to the lineup -- although not enough can be said about the phenomenal job Mauricio Dubon has done during his absence.

McCullers continuing to progress towards June return

McCullers continues to work his way back to form following an elbow strain suffered on Feb. 14 during a bullpen session.

Baker has told reporters that the pitcher "felt great" and "is on track," according to MLB.com, as the right-hander began throwing 10-12 pitches from the front of the mound on Tuesday.

At this time, he is expected to be back with the team sometime in June.

McCormick inching closer to returning to action

McCormick, meanwhile, should be rejoining the Astros in the very near future, as Houston expects the outfielder to be back with the team by the end of April.

According to MLB.com, McCormick swung a bat for the first time on Tuesday.

Baker also believes McCormick will likely need a rehab assignment with Sugar Land prior to returning to Houston's lineup.

Brantley continuing rehab assignment with Space Cowboys

Brantley remains with the Space Cowboys, and will most likely be there for another week or so, as Houston's 35-year-old All-Star works his way back from an injury that has sidelined him since midway through last season.

So far in Sugar Land, Brantley is batting a sizzling .400 with a .900 OPS.

The Astros hope to have Brantley back with the team at the beginning of May.

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