Manager Joe Espada Says 'There's No Timetable' For José Abreu's MLB Return

Manager Joe Espada joins The Matt Thomas Show ahead of the first game of a three-game series against the New York Yankees starting Tuesday. Playing at Yankee Stadium is "definitely a different feeling," said Espada as the Astros look to bounce back from a 2-1 series loss to the Seattle Mariners. Minutes before Espada spoke, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reported that J.P. France has a shoulder injury that could keep him out "a while." Espada said "we're not very concerned" right now with the severity of France's injury, but it's "not what you want to hear." The Astros have five healthy Major League starters on its 40-man roster. However, Espada provides some good news that Cristian Javier is returning form injury. "The plan is for him to start this weekend in Detroit." Espada also comments on lineup changes, saying too many adjustments can create confusion. "We have been a very consistent lineup for many years," and "regardless of where you're hitting, you have a job to do" and "we cannot allow the pitcher to control our bats." First baseman Jose Abreu was optioned to Florida for extended spring training, and even though Espada has been talking to Abreu daily, "there's no timetable" for his return to the Astros.