Recent hernia surgery to limit Astros' Evan Gattis this spring

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One of the Astros' big bats won't be taking hacks when the Astros hold their first full workout on Feb. 23.

Astros designated hitter Evan Gattis recently underwent surgery to repair a hernia, the Chronicle has learned, taking away most of his spring training at a minimum. The recovery is four to six weeks but fortunately for Gattis and the Astros, the injury is not considered severe.

Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow could not immediately be reached by phone.

Gattis, 29, is entering his second season with the Astros. He has an arbitration hearing set for Feb. 16, with the team and player far apart — and his health a new wrinkle.

The Astros proposed a 2016 salary of $3 million while Gattis asked for $3.8 million. It's unclear how significantly his operation will affect his case.

Gattis hit 27 home runs last season, with a .246 average, .285 on-base percentage and .463 slugging percentage. A terrible April gave way to stronger numbers: he had a .267/.309/.488 line from May 24 through the end of the regular season, a span of 112 games and 109 starts.

Gattis' absence might further open the door for first-base prospects Jon Singleton, Tyler White and A.J. Reed.