AL WEST NEWS AND NOTES

HOUSTON ASTROS

Shortstop Carlos Correa went 1-for-11 in his first three games after coming off the disabled list, but at least he was back in the lineup. The same could not be said of second baseman Jose Altuve. Altuve’s stint on the disabled list was extended when he continued to be bothered by a sore right knee. He last played on July 25.

Correa had missed 36 games because of a back injury.

❚ The Astros were hoping an eight-game stint at Class AAA Fresno (California) would rebuild prized rookie Kyle Tucker ’confidence after he hit .156 in his first 45 at-bats for Houston this year. He hit .382 with three home runs and eight RBI at Fresno after being sent down and was recalled when center fielder Jake Marisnick was put on the disabled list because of a groin injury that is expected to sideline him for a few weeks.

LOS ANGELES ANGELS

Mike Trout ’s biggest challenge on the field — he doesn’t have many — continues to be staying healthy when he slides.

The center fielder landed on the disabled list because of pain in his right wrist, which he injured when he banged his hand on the ground on a feet-first slide. Last season, a headfirst slide tore a thumb ligament and cost him 39 games. They are the only two times in his career he has been on the DL.

The Angels announced Aug. 13 that Trout was away from the team for personal reasons and might not return when he is eligible Aug. 16. No other details were disclosed by the club.

❚ Left-hander Tyler Skaggs was activated, made one shaky start (3 1 / 3innings, seven runs) and went right back on the DL because his strained hip muscle continues to be a problem. But right-hander Shohei Ohtani (elbow) got closer to returning to the mound when he threw 23 pitches Aug. 11 in his first bullpen session since being injured.

❚ First baseman Albert Pujols became the ninth player to have 1,000 hits in each league. His first 2,073 hits came in the National League with the Cardinals.

OAKLAND ATHLETICS

Right-hander Fernando Rodney had 25 saves with the Twins this season, but he’s not expected to get many more now that the Athletics have acquired him to serve as a setup reliever in their already strong bullpen.

Rodney said he’s fine with that tradeoff — he’d rather be on a contender. But it also raised a curious question: What does that mean for his signature post-save tradition of firing an imaginary arrow into the sky?

Rodney became the 31st pitcher used by the Athletics this season and pitched a scoreless inning in each of his first two appearances. He joined two other new additions, right-handers Jeurys Familia and Shawn Kelley, who can serve as a bridge to closer Blake Treinen.

❚ In his first start after being acquired from the Tigers, righthander Mike Fiers allowed one run in 5 1 / 3 innings Aug. 8 against the Dodgers and struck out eight of the first 12 batters he faced.

SEATTLE MARINERS

The Mariners made a big decision when they demoted onetime ace Felix Hernandez to the bullpen. Still to be decided was how he will be used there, and he has no doubt that he won’t remain there.

Hernandez, one of the most popular and successful players in franchise history, was 8-10 with a career-high 5.73 ERA in 23 starts.

Manager Scott Servais said he hoped Hernandez could pitch multiple innings, but Hernandez predicted it will be a moot point before long.

Right-hander Erasmo Ramirez, out since May 1 because of a shoulder injury, took Hernandez’s spot in the rotation.

❚ Reliever Sam Tuivailala lasted only nine days with the Mariners after being acquired in a trade with the Cardinals. The right-hander injured his right Achilles on a rundown in his fifth Seattle appearance, needed surgery and is out for the season.

TEXAS RANGERS

Rookie first baseman Ronald Guzman is known as a streaky hitter. Several recent games showed why. After being kept out for two games because of a 2-for-21 rut, Guzman went 6-for-10 and hit three home runs in one game against the Yankees.

Guzman said he had been over-thinking his at-bats, but manager Jeff Banister said Guzman’s thought process is what sets him apart from many hitters.

Guzman, 23, is the second youngest Ranger to hit three homers in a game, eclipsed only by Juan Gonzalez (22).

❚ Center fielder Delino DeShields returned after being idled by concussion-like symptoms, which cost promising outfielder Drew Robinson his roster spot. The Rangers could get another outfielder back soon: Right fielder Nomar Mazara (sprained right thumb) started his rehab assignment and had five hits in his first 12 at-bats.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

CARLOS CORREA, ASTROS: Houston’s All-Star shortstop returned for the stretch run after being idle for a month and a half because of lower back stiffness. The Astros remained atop the AL West during his absence but lost their first three games, all to Seattle, with Correa back in the lineup as the Athletics and Mariners remained in hot pursuit. Correa hit .268 in 73 games before being shut down.