Astros CF George Springer’s thumb injury is much more serious than the team has let on.

Sources on Thursday informed me that Springer has ligament damage in his thumb, and that his thumb is “unstable.”  They also indicated that this injury would normally have a much longer recovery timetable - 6-8 weeks on the shorter end.  It has only been three weeks since Springer suffered the initial injury.

Springer appeared to be in a significant amount of pain when he injured his thumb on a head first slide on August 5th.  He then missed the next eight games on the DL.  

Springer returned to the lineup without going on a rehab stint, which was unusual.  Jose Altuve played one game at Triple-A Fresno to get his timing back before rejoining the lineup.

Springer came off the DL and returned to the lineup on Aug. 17, playing in three games.  He went a combined 3-of-13 with one run and one RBI.  He did not start on Aug. 20th vs Seattle, although manager AJ Hinch said he was available to pinch hit. Springer has not played the last three games.

Patrick Creighton hosts “Late Hits” on ESPN 97.5 Houston weeknights 7-9p, and “Straight Heat” on SB Nation Radio weekdays 4-7p CT.  Follow him on Twitter: @PCreighton1