Astros' Fowler to be activated Wednesday

The Houston Astros got some bad news and some good news Tuesday. Rehabbing outfielder George Springer was shut down for two weeks, but the blow was softened by the announcement that centerfielder Dexter Fowler will be activated before Wednesday's series finale against the Minnesota Twins.

Fowler, who has been out since June 26 with an intercostal strain, completed a four-game rehab assignment at Triple-A Oklahoma City without issue. 

"Dexter had no issues at all in his rehab, so he'll be ready to go," said GM Jeff Luhnow. "We'll need him. He's a missed part of our lineup, as well, and without those two guys, quite frankly, it's a different team. We need them both, and we'll take what we can get right now, which is one of those guys now and another in a couple of weeks."

In his first season in Houston, Fowler has hit .270/.377/.394, good for an OPS+ of 118. His return should provide a nice boost to an Astros lineup that ranks 14th of 15 AL teams in runs per game (3.91) and on-base percentage (.307), and dead last in batting average (.239).