Astros' George Springer returns to starting lineup

ANAHEIM — Three days after he was hit by a 92 mph fastball on his left elbow, George Springer returned to the Astros' starting lineup on Monday, leading off and playing center field in the series opener against the Angels.

Sidelined for the final two games of the Rangers series last weekend, Springer arrived to Angels Stadium for early batting practice, manager A.J. Hinch said, a final hurdle cleared to ensure his return to the top of the lineup card.

"It is nice to have him back," Hinch said. "I think he'll have an elbow guard tonight, he might have learned his lesson there, but it's always nice to have him kickstart our offense."

The two games Springer missed due to the elbow contusion were his first absences of the season. Springer was available to pinch hit and pinch run in Sunday's 6-1, series-clinching win against the Rangers, but an opportunity to use him never arose.