Astros' Bregman slated to return from IL Tuesday vs. A's

The Houston Astros are getting reinforcements just in time for a key doubleheader against the division-leading Oakland Athletics.

Astros manager Dusty Baker said Alex Bregman would be activated off of the injured list ahead of the club's twinbill on Tuesday, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com.

"We've been really monitoring him, and he’s been trying to get back on the field," Baker said of the team's 26-year-old third baseman. "He knows how much we need him, but at the same time we've got to take care of him. We've got a plan for him the next few days. We're going to activate that plan."

The two-time All-Star has been sidelined since July 19 after suffering a hamstring strain while running the bases.

Prior to landing on the IL, the former Silver Slugger and All-Star MVP was hitting .272/.374/.500 with four homers.

Bregman's return is timely, as Houston will be playing four games against the Athletics over the next three days. The Astros entered Monday's action at 21-19 - 3 1/2 games back of Oakland.