Astros 3B Luis Valbuena resumes baseball activities

Houston Astros third baseman Luis Valbuena, who has been recovering from a strained right hamstring, has resumed baseball activities, the team announced Tuesday.

For the first time since suffering the injury on July 26, Valbuena made "significant strides" by running at Minute Maid Park, manager A.J. Hinch. told reporters in Minnesota.

Valbuena, who is hitting .260 with 13 home runs and 40 RBIs, also has been hitting in the batting cages.

"He had a good day," Hinch said. "I don't know where that takes us until we see how he feels (Wednesday), but that's a positive sign."

Valbuena, who is eligible to be activated Thursday, likely will remain on the DL for a longer period as he'll have to head out on a rehab assignment after he's cleared.