Carlos Correa’s 2026 season is over, with the Astros infielder stepping away from his comeback attempt after doctors determined the repaired tendon in his left ankle needs more time to heal. Houston entered its final home series of the regular season holding a one-game lead over the Rangers in the American League West, but Correa will not be available for the club’s postseason chase.
The result
Correa had spent about 10 days at the Astros’ Spring Training complex in West Palm Beach, Florida, building toward a possible return. He reached live batting practice, ran the bases and felt well enough to ask about joining Houston for its Sept. 11-13 series in St. Petersburg.
The next morning told a different story. Correa said he experienced significant soreness for two or three days following the increased workload, prompting an MRI. The scan showed that the tendon had not developed sufficiently to withstand a late-season return followed by the demands of October baseball.
“We got the work ramped up to live BP and baserunning,” Correa said. “I had a good live BP and was asking whether I could join the team in St. Petersburg. The doctor wanted to see how I felt the next day. Then I had a couple of days where I was really sore. After the MRI, he said the tendon was not mature enough.”
The medical recommendation was not to risk a handful of regular-season games and a possible playoff run at the expense of the start of 2027. Correa said the priority now is allowing the tendon to fully mature so he can report next season at full strength.
Correa, who turns 32 on Tuesday, underwent surgery May 11 after hurting the ankle while taking swings in the batting cage. He closes the year with a .279/.369/.418 line, three homers and 16 RBIs across 32 games.
Once his walking boot came off, Correa had hoped to make it back to the clubhouse and help the club down the stretch. But he did not get far enough along to test the ankle with slides or diving defensive plays before the MRI changed the plan.
“It was obviously not the news I wanted,” Correa said. “But I can sleep knowing I did everything I could and gave it everything I had. If it was not God’s plan for me to play this year, I’ll accept it, move forward and be ready next year.”
What comes next for Correa
Inflammation and soreness remain in the ankle. Correa will not hit for the next month and will limit his activity to lateral movement, avoiding change-of-direction drills or any motion that puts stress on the foot.
He expects the tendon to be fully healed in roughly two months, when he is scheduled for another MRI. Correa said his doctor expects that examination to show the repair in ideal condition.
There had been discussion of a possible move to second base if Correa returned this season, though he said the Astros never asked him to play there during his rehabilitation. Looking toward 2027, he left every infield option on the table.
“I’m ready for third, second, short or first — wherever they need me,” Correa said. “I believe I can adapt and be a really good defender at any base. I just want to be in the lineup.”
