In news that explains why there hasn't been much interest in him on the trade market, Astros.com and MLB beat writer Brian McTaggart reports that infielder Jeff Keppinger is suffering from inflammation in his left big toe. The diagnosis is sesamoiditis, which is to be cured by surgically removing the sesamoid bone from Keppinger's foot.
The recovery time from the surgery is about three or four months, which puts Keppinger in line to return a week or so in to the campaign if everything goes as planned. Keppinger had been relegated to a utility infielder role following the signing of Bill Hall, and was expected to be traded before this news hit. Keppinger hit .288 with 59 RBI for the Astros last season. The club will probably look to move him again once he proves he is healthy in-season.