The Astros have lost one of their 2011 bright spots, at least for a couple of weeks. Outfielder Jason Bourgeois has hit the 15-day disabled list after straining an oblique muscle in Saturday night's loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Here were Bourgeois' comments following the injury:
"About four or five steps out of the box, it was a real tight pulling and pinching type of feeling. It was kind of tough to believe there for awhile. But we'll see."
Bourgeois is hitting .407 in 54 at bats for the Astros this season, and has stolen an impressive 12 bases in his limited time on the field, good for 2nd in MLB behind teammate Michael Bourn (13). It's a little bump in the road for a guy who has dealt with a lot of adversity in his career. Bourgeois spent TEN YEARS in the minor leagues before he got some decent playing time in the bigs, so I'm sure another 15 days won't dampen his spirits too much.
In his place, the Astros have called infielder Joe Inglett up from AAA Oklahoma City. You may remember Inglett from such films as "guy who was sent back down to the minors when offseason free agent acquisition Clint Barmes returned to the club."
The Astros take on the Pirates in the rubber game of their series this afternoon in Pittsburgh. Inglett is expected to be available.