Astros SS Carlos Correa sent home with shoulder inflammation

CLEVELAND -- Astros shortstop Carlos Correa has been sent back to Houston because of inflammation in his left shoulder.

Manager A.J. Hinch said Wednesday he was optimistic the reigning AL Rookie of Year would be able to play this weekend when the Astros host the Chicago Cubs. Hinch said the team wanted Correa to undergo additional medical tests.

"Carlos is a little beat up, so we sent him to see our doctors," Hinch said. "He had tests today, so we felt that was the right decision."

Correa experienced soreness in his shoulder in Tuesday night's game against Cleveland and told Hinch he was uncomfortable upon waking Wednesday. He struck out in his three at-bats before singling in the eighth inning Tuesday

Correa is batting .27.4 with 19 home runs, 90 RBI and 12 stolen bases in 134 games. Houston is 1 1/2 games behind Baltimore for the second AL wild-card spot.

Rookie Alex Bregman, who played third base in the first two games against the Indians, started at shortstop Wednesday while Yulieski Gurriel, another rookie, played third. Hinch said Marwin Gonzalez could also fill in at short until Correa returns.

The Astros finish a four-game against the Indians on Thursday and return home Friday to play the Cubs.

Houston also is without ace pitcher Dallas Keuchel, who was sent back to Houston on Monday with inflammation in his left shoulder. Keuchel won the AL Cy Young Award last season.