Astros' Springer relishes return to lineup: 'It was just exciting to contribute'

Houston Astros outfielder George Springer admitted Friday it was "brutal" watching from the dugout for the last two months as his teammates fought to maintain their lead atop the American League West.

It should come as no surprise, then, that Springer was pretty much ecstatic after going 1-for-4 with a run scored in Friday's 8-0 victory over the Minnesota Twins, his first game since fracturing his right wrist July 1.

"It was great," Springer told MLB.com's Brian McTaggart. "Obviously, I hadn't been out there in a while, but it was just exciting to contribute and just be playing."

Springer, who hit leadoff in 37 of his last 38 games before landing on the disabled list, reclaimed his spot atop the lineup Friday at Minute Maid Park and will likely remain there for the foreseeable future.

"I don't have any hesitation putting him back in the lineup, at the top," manager A.J. Hinch said. "The offense functioned very well with him at the top. There's no argument in wanting to get more baserunners on base in front of Altuve and Correa. He's a dynamic player. I'd like to get his energy kick started from the very beginning. He's had a few games to rehab. I know he'll come out with a ton of energy and our lineup looks the best with him at the top."

Through 76 games this season, the 25-year-old is hitting .264/.364/.454 (124 OPS+) with 13 home runs, 14 stolen bases, and a 12.8 percent walk rate. His efforts Fridays helped the Astros snap a two-game losing streak and restore their three-game lead atop their division.

"Just to get told I can go out there again and play is exciting," Springer said. "It's a big stretch for us, and I'm ready to do whatever I can to help."