Jed Lowrie (thumb) is taking grounders at shortstop and third base more aggressively, but he remains a few weeks away from returning, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Lowrie (thumb) is taking grounders at shortstop and third base more aggressively, but he remains a few weeks away from returning, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Analysis:

The Astros are expected to keep Lowrie on the shelf until after the All-Star break, at which point, he could join the team and move over to third base thanks to the promotion of Carlos Correa earlier this season. A clearer timetable for Lowrie's return will likely be established once he begins his rehab assignment.