Astros' Jed Lowrie starts rehab assignment in Double-A Corpus Christi

Houston Astros shortstopJed Lowrie, who has missed three months with a right thumb injury,began a rehab assignment with Double-A Corpus Christi on Friday.

Lowrie, 31, was placed on the disabled list April 28 and had surgeryfor a torn ligament in his right thumb May 1. He was injured while sliding into home plate in an April 27 game against theSan Diego Padres.

In 18 games this season, Lowrie is hitting .300 with four home runs and 10 RBIs.

The Astros ended Friday's games tied atop the American League West with theLos Angeles Angels.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.