Carlos Correa is still dealing with a back injury that hampered him throughout the season.
The 24-year-old shortstop returned from the disabled list in mid-August after he missed 36 games with back soreness. But, Correa told the Associated Press he continues to be in pain heading into Houston’s ALCS with the Red Sox, which begins Saturday.
“I know every time I swing and miss it’s going to hurt,” Correa said. “So, I try not to swing and miss and then I try to baby my swing and I don’t swing as hard as I usually do or as quick as I usually do. So, it’s definitely been tough.”
Correa said the pain is in his lower back and he is receiving treatment “24/7.” He said some days he has difficulty walking.
“I’m a competitor so you grind, you try to perform,” Correa said. “But it’s definitely ... been frustrating at times.”
Correa struggled after he was activated from the DL and he went just 1 for 10 in Houston’s three-game ALDS sweep of the Indians. He said he felt he had “good at-bats” against Cleveland but it had been “a tough year.”
“It’s not the end of the world,” Correa said. “I keep grinding every single day. I keep trying to find ways to help my team. I thought my defense this year was excellent and I’m looking forward to winning another championship and getting some rest.”
Correa slashed .288/.325/.562 and hit five home runs with 14 RBIs in the 2017 postseason to help the Astros win the World Series.