Astros' Brad Peacock, Joe Smith to return soon

PHOTOS: Astros game-by-game Houston Astros relief pitcher Brad Peacock (41) prepares to pitch against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, May 25, 2019, in Houston. Browse through the photos to see how the Astros have fared in each game this season. less PHOTOS: Astros game-by-game Houston Astros relief pitcher Brad Peacock (41) prepares to pitch against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, May 25, 2019, in Houston. Browse ... more Photo: Marie D. De JesÃºs/Staff Photographer Photo: Marie D. De JesÃºs/Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 245 Caption Close Astros' Brad Peacock, Joe Smith to return soon 1 / 245 Back to Gallery

ARLINGTON — The Astros expect to have their pitching staff at full strength soon.

If their bullpen sessions go well in the next two to three days, righthanded starting pitcher Brad Peacock and reliever Joe Smith will be activated from the injured list, manager A.J. Hinch said Thursday.

Peacock expects to start Monday in Anaheim against the Angels. He credited the chance to rest his right shoulder for feeling ready to return.

Smith could come back this weekend to finish out the four-game series against the Rangers.

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Smith had surgery in December for a ruptured Achilles tendon. He was unable to train in the early spring. The 35-year old sidearmer estimated that he put on weight during the inactive period of his recovery and shed 20 pounds in the months that followed.

He was clean-shaven and noticeably thinner at Globe Life Park on Thursday.

"I wasn't going to come back fat," Smith said.

Smith threw 27 pitches and worked out of a jam in his recent rehab assignment, which tested his stamina.

"It's good to have that," he said. "I feel good. I feel like I've cleared myself mentally of the hoops to jump through."

"Joe Smith has done everything that we asked for a normal spring training," Hinch said of Smith's rehab. "He's going to throw a soft bullpen tomorrow, and then we'll evaluate towards the end of the weekend what's next for him. He's had his six or seven outings and live BP, things that we would normally do in a spring training session."

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Smith last pitched Oct. 16, 2018, in the Astros' Game 3 loss of the American League Championship Series against the Red Sox. He gave up a home run to Steve Pearce and lasted one-third of an inning.

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