Gattis (sports hernia) will get three at-bats in a minor league game Wednesday and run at about 70 percent, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's a step forward in Gattis' recovery from sports hernia surgery in early February, but he's still a long shot to appear in Grapefruit League action this spring and will likely open 2016 on the DL. Preston Tucker is serving as the DH in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game and is the top candidate to fill that role until Gattis is fully healthy.

Gattis (sports hernia) has taken minor league at-bats and started running, Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

After surgery in early February to repair a hernia, Gattis was expected to miss most, if not all, of spring training, but running was noted as one of the last hurdles to clear in his quest to play. While he's likely to start the year on the disabled list, it could be back-dated enough to ensure an earlier than expected season debut.

With Max Stassi (wrist) sidelined for the first month of the season, Gattis (sports hernia) could be employed as the No. 2 catcher behind starter Jason Castro if healthy.

EDGE Analysis

Gattis recently participated in a minor league intrasquad game and he's been taking batting practice, but he has yet to suit up for any Grapefruit League action. The 29-year-old still has a way to go before Houston would even give him the opportunity to endure the physical demands of the catcher position, but it's important to note he's been throwing with the catching group in practice. While his fantasy stock would rise with catcher eligibility, he's unlikely to see enough time behind the plate to qualify at the position.

Gattis (sports hernia) is taking batting practice on the field again Friday, MLB.com's Brian McTaggart reports.

EDGE Analysis

He is in a regular work group Friday, so it sounds like he could be nearing game action. As someone who won't play the field much, if at all, in 2016, Gattis simply needs to be able to swing the bat and run the bases. That said, if he does not get into game action soon, he would likely start the season on the DL.

Gattis (sports hernia) hit overhanded pitching Tuesday and will be reevaluated later in the day, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

As long as the reevaluation goes well, Gattis is also expected to take batting practice Wednesday, so it appears that he is recovering at a good pace. Although the 29-year-old recently said that he thinks he's ahead of schedule, it's still unclear if he can stretch his rehab time and get healthy in time for Opening Day,

Astros manager A.J. Hinch suggested that Gattis (sports hernia) could get some playing time behind the plate this season, Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gattis didn't make a single appearance behind the plate last season, primarily serving as a designated hitter and also playing 11 games in left field. Astros manager A.J. Hinch said the priority is to get Gattis back as a DH as soon as possible, with any potential playing time at catcher unlikely to come early in the season. Given that he's uncertain for Opening Day and may just be an emergency option behind the plate, Gattis isn't a strong bet to regain catcher eligibility.

Gattis (sports hernia) has been hitting off a tee for three days and is expected to take flips in the cage Thursday, Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Just over three weeks removed from sports hernia surgery, Gattis speculated that he's "maybe a little ahead [of schedule]." In addition to swinging drills, he's proceeded to throwing, while increasing the distance slowly but surely, and he's slated to complete 40-yard runs as well Thursday. His recovery appears to be going well to this point, but there's no telling if he'll be ready once Opening Day rolls around.

Gattis (sports hernia) has been taking dry swings in recent days, Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gattis is expected to be sidelined for most of spring training following surgery to address a sports hernia, so his activities figure to be limited over the next few weeks. It may take until deep into the spring before Gattis starts taking batting practice again, which puts his status for the beginning of the season on murky ground.

Gattis (sports hernia) and the Astros reached a contract agreement for 2016 to avoid arbitration, Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gattis will make $3.3 million in 2016, and the deal also includes a 2017 team option for $5.2 million, with a $100,000 buyout. Of greater concern to fantasy owners, Gattis recently had sports hernia surgery and is expected to miss most of spring training. With his recovery timeline set at four-to-six weeks, there's no assurance he'll be ready for Opening Day. Once healthy, Gattis figures to serve as the Astros' regular designated hitter.

Gattis recently underwent surgery to repair a hernia and is expected to miss most of spring training, the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Although the injury is not considered severe, Gattis will need 4-to-6 weeks to recover, meaning the Astros will be without the slugger's services for most of the Grapefruit League slate and quite possibly for Opening Day. Jonathan Singleton, Luis Valbuena, Marwin Gonzalez, and Matt Duffy could all be in the running to pick up at-bats as the designated hitter until Gattis returns.