PHILADELPHIA - A game a day before an off day against the worst team in baseball offered the Astros little incentive to risk further injury with two of their core players.

But outfielder George Springer and third baseman/shortstop Alex Bregman could be back in the Astros' lineup for Friday night's series opener in Detroit. It would be considered a surprise if Springer in particular wasn't back in his customary leadoff spot come Friday.

Springer, who injured his quad Monday, and Bregman, who injured his hamstring Tuesday, are each considered day to day. Springer was thought to be available off the bench Wednesday. Bregman wasn't available Wednesday.

"I feel pretty good," Springer said. "We'll see what happens."

Bregman said Wednesday he felt better a day after his hamstring tightened up while he rounded second base on a triple. He described his removal from Tuesday's game as precautionary. The team will reassess his availability Friday afternoon at Comerica Park.

Bregman's injury cost him the chance to face former LSU teammate and roommate Aaron Nola, who started for the Phillies on Wednesday. Bregman said he was "super bummed" to miss the matchup and joked he wanted to take his friend deep, like he said he did in his first at-bat against him in fall intersquads. Bregman was a freshman then, Nola a sophomore.

"And then after that, he struck me out a bunch," Bregman said with a laugh.

Odds & ends

- Will Harris pitched a perfect inning with two strikeouts in his rehab outing with Advanced Class A Buies Creek on Wednesday. Presuming he recovers well, he should be activated along with Dallas Keuchel before Friday's game.

- Buies Creek manager Omar Lopez was selected to manage in the Arizona Fall League. He will be in charge of the Mesa Solar Sox, a team that will consist of prospects from the Astros, Cubs, Tigers, Nationals and Athletics.