Astros expect LF Lee to be ready for spring training

Nov 11, 2008 - 7:34 PM HOUSTON (Ticker) -- The fractured left little finger that sidelined Houston Astros left fielder Carlos Lee for the final seven weeks of the season has healed, the team announced Tuesday.

The Astros said that the splint from Lee's hand has been removed and he is using it normally.

The team expects that Lee will have no limitations in spring training. He will continue a workout routine that includes cardio work and weightlifting and be re-examined in January.

Lee suffered the injury when he was hit by a pitch August 9 at Cincinnati. He underwent surgery two days later to correct multiple fractures in the finger.

At the time of the injury, Lee, 32, was leading the National League in RBI with 100 in just 115 games. He also finished with .314 batting average and 28 home runs.

He has reached the 100-RBI mark in four straight seasons, and has a career average of .290 with 281 homers and 1,001 RBI in 10 major league campaigns.