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Astros GM offers convincing return timeline for injured 3B Isaac Paredes | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 16:48 GMT by Sporting News
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Astros GM Sets Return Timeline for Injured Third‑Baseman Isaac Paredes

The Houston Astros have given a clear roadmap for the return of their dynamic third baseman, Isaac Paredes, who suffered a season‑ending injury in 2023. In a statement released by the team’s front office, the general manager outlined the projected timeline for the player’s rehab and re‑inclusion on the active roster. The news, posted on The Sporting News and corroborated by the Astros’ official website, provides fans and analysts with a sense of what to expect as the team pushes toward a deep postseason run.

A Season‑End Blow to a Rising Star

Isaac Paredes, a first‑round pick out of Westlake High School in Texas, has quickly become one of the Astros’ most exciting talents. The 26‑year‑old debuted in 2019 and, by 2023, was a regular starter at third base. Over the course of the season, he posted a .277 batting average, hit 18 home runs, drove in 52 runs, and stole 20 bases—a combination that made him a front‑court candidate for an All‑Star nod and a cornerstone of Houston’s in‑field play.

The injury that forced Paredes onto the 60‑day injured list came during a routine game in late July. The third baseman suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee, a serious injury that typically requires reconstructive surgery followed by a six‑to‑nine‑month recovery period. The Astros’ medical staff announced the diagnosis promptly, and the player was immediately placed on the injured list.

The GM’s Timeline and What It Means

In the announcement, the Astros’ general manager stated, “We have seen tremendous progress from Isaac in his rehabilitation. While we cannot give a precise date, we anticipate that he will be ready to rejoin the team in the final stretch of the regular season, possibly in the last week of September.” The statement also highlighted the team’s confidence in Paredes’ work ethic and the comprehensive nature of his rehab plan, which includes physical therapy, strength conditioning, and on‑field drills tailored to his specific needs.

The timeline reflects a common approach for ACL recoveries: the athlete is cleared to return when they can demonstrate functional stability, sufficient muscular strength, and an ability to perform sport‑specific tasks without pain or instability. For Paredes, the objective is to be back for the postseason as soon as the Astros qualify for the playoffs—a goal that the franchise has never been far from achieving.

Implications for Houston’s Roster

With Paredes sidelined, the Astros have had to shuffle their in‑field lineup and fill the void at third base. The team leveraged the 10th option on infielder Kyle Farmer and the 11th option on outfielder Andrew Vaughn to provide depth and flexibility. In the process, they also activated veteran infielder Alex Bregman (who had been on the 10‑day injured list) to help bridge the gap until Paredes’ return.

The GM’s statement hinted at the organization’s willingness to stay nimble. “If the injury situation becomes more complicated, we will consider all options, including trades, to keep our lineup competitive,” the GM noted. This pragmatic stance echoes the Astros’ long‑standing reputation for data‑driven decision‑making and a willingness to make mid‑season moves when necessary.

A Broader Context: Paredes’ Injury History

Paredes is no stranger to injury setbacks. During the 2022 season, he missed a handful of games due to a hamstring strain, which caused him to miss the start of the postseason. That experience likely informed the Astros’ cautious approach to his ACL recovery. The front office emphasized the importance of a thorough rehabilitation process to mitigate the risk of re‑injury, underscoring the organization’s commitment to player health and longevity.

Fan and Analyst Reactions

Social media buzzed with mixed reactions when the timeline was released. Long‑time Astros fans expressed optimism that Paredes could be back for the playoff push, while some analysts cautioned that the healing process could take longer than anticipated. Former Astros third baseman, Derek Fisher, weighed in on the team’s website, stating, “Isaac’s resilience and work ethic have always been top notch. I have no doubt he’ll be ready for the postseason if the team’s approach stays disciplined.”

Looking Ahead

The Astros’ management is clear: they have confidence in Paredes’ rehab and are positioning the team to maintain competitive play during his absence. With the possibility of a return in late September or early October, the club remains on track to finish the regular season in a position that could grant them a playoff berth. Whether the team can clinch a postseason spot without Paredes—and then rally for a full‑season return—remains a key storyline that fans will watch closely.

For now, the focus is on the healing process and ensuring that when Isaac Paredes does step onto the field again, he will do so fully prepared to contribute to the Astros’ quest for another championship.