Astros’ Dallas Keuchel could progress to mound work this week … – Chron.com

Photo: Bob Levey/Getty Images

HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 03: Dallas Keuchel #60 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners on Opening Day at Minute Maid Park on April 3, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 03: Dallas Keuchel #60 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners on Opening Day at Minute Maid Park on April 3, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob

Astros' Dallas Keuchel could progress to mound work this week

ATLANTA --- Astros ace Dallas Keuchel could progress beyond playing catch by week's end.

Manager A.J. Hinch said Tuesday the Astros are hopeful Keuchel can test himself off a mound while the team's in Toronto on Thursday through Sunday. Keuchel's clearing of that hurdle would provide more clarity on a timetable for a minor league rehab outing and then his return to the Astros' rotation.

"We want to start to push him forward and test him," Hinch said.

Keuchel, selected Sunday for his second All-Star team, hasn't pitched since June 2 because of a recurrence of a pinched nerve in his neck. The Astros have been extra conservative in his rehab given it's his second DL stint for this issue.

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"He still feels strong. His arm feels good. His legs are strong," Hinch said. "But a month is too long to go in between major league outings (without a rehab outing)."

A return during the Astros' first series of the second half against the Twins appears out of the question at this point. But if Keuchel makes a rehab start that first weekend of the second half, it could potentially set him up to come off the disabled list during the Astros' road series in Baltimore from July 21-23.

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Astros' Dallas Keuchel could progress to mound work this week ... - Chron.com