Humberto Quintero has been sent back to Houston to have his upper leg examined by team physicians. Quintero has been dealing with back and hip problems for the past week or so. The 32-year-old catcher is likely to be given an anti-inflammatory injection and should return to Astros camp by the end of this week.

Humberto Quintero is not in Monday's Grapefruit League lineup due to back and hip discomfort. Both ailments are thought to be fairly minor. Quintero is likely to be left off the Astros' Opening Day roster this year in favor of catchers Jason Castro and Chris Snyder.

Jon Heyman of SI.com hears that the Astros "might not keep" catcher Humberto Quintero. The Astros and Quintero avoided arbitration earlier this month by agreeing to a one-year, $1 million contract, but the deal is not guaranteed. While the 32-year-old backstop has a lousy .234/.268/.321 batting line and a .589 OPS in the big leagues, perhaps some team could have interest in him as a backup. If he's cut loose, Heyman speculates that Houston could be a possible landing spot for free agent Ivan Rodriguez.

Astros and C Humberto Quintero avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $1 million contract. Quintero was arbitration-eligible for the final time this winter. The 32-year-old backstop batted just .240/.258/.317 with two home runs, 25 RBI and a .575 OPS over 272 plate appearances this past season. He'll likely serve as Jason Castro's backup in 2012.

Humberto Quintero was in the lineup Tuesday despite dealing with a variety of ailments. He underwent an MRI on his knees and back on Tuesday, with the exam on his back showing an inflamed disk. Quintero will be given a cortisone shot after Wednesday's game and seems likely to be unavailable for a few days after that. He was batting .262/.288/.350 on the season entering Tuesday's game.

Humberto Quintero drove in the Astros' lone run in their 8-1 loss to the Brewers on Friday. Quintero's 17th RBI of the season was his third in as many games. For the season, he is now batting .264/.288/.362.

Astros activated C Humberto Quintero from the 15-day disabled list. Quintero has been sidelined since late May with a high ankle sprain. He'll take over the regular duties behind the plate with J.R. Towles sent down.

Humberto Quintero (ankle) hopes to rejoin the Astros for the first game after the All-Star break. Quintero will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City Friday, but evidently the Astros want to give him more than a week's worth of games before activating him. He's been out since late May with a high ankle sprain.

Humbero Quintero (ankle) will begin a minor league rehab assignment Friday with Triple-A Oklahoma City. Quintero has been sidelined since late May with a high right ankle sprain following a nasty collision at home plate. Assuming all goes well, the 31-year-old backstop should rejoin the Astros prior the All-Star break.

Humberto Quintero (ankle) took swings in the batting cage Friday for the first time since going on the disabled list. He hopes to do some hitting on the field Saturday and then work on blocking pitches Sunday or Tuesday. "I did a couple of swings at my house the past couple days, and it felt really good," Quintero said. "I've been running on the treadmill. My ankle is really good. I think I'm close." Quintero is about two weeks away from returning.