The Houston Astros have just received one of the most important signs of recovery since losing Hunter Brown to a shoulder injury. According to head coach Joe Espada, the young Houston star reached a speed of 96 mph during yesterday’s 22-shot live batting practice, a significant step forward in his return after a long period of injury treatment.

With the Astros struggling to maintain a consistent midseason rotation, this news immediately sparks hope that the team’s “future pillar” is very close to making his comeback.

The live batting practice was considered Brown’s most important test since he began his recovery from his right shoulder injury – an injury that has kept him away from the shooting range since early April.

According to Espada, Brown not only completed all 22 shots but also reached a peak speed of 96 mph, a figure nearly reaching his peak performance before the injury.

“That’s what we want to see,” Espada shared. “The feel for the ball, the speed, and the reaction after the shooting session were all very positive. But most importantly, it’s how the body responds the next day.”

The key to the return plan lies in Brown’s body’s reaction after the intense practice session.

Joe Espada clearly stated:

If Brown shows no signs of pain or discomfort today, he will begin his rehab assignment program this weekend.

This will be a crucial transition, from simulated competition to a real competitive environment in the minor leagues – where Brown will have to re-test his endurance, tempo, and ability to maintain speed over multiple consecutive innings.

An internal Astros source said the team won’t rush things, as Brown was considered a “long-term pillar” of the rotation and has just returned from a serious shoulder injury.

Brown’s potential return comes at a time when the Astros are grappling with a series of injuries across their pitching roster. The lack of a high-striking starter has made Houston’s rotation inconsistent in recent series.

Before his injury, Brown was considered one of the league’s most explosive pitchers, with impressive swing-and-miss abilities and increasingly mature game control.

Therefore, this latest progress is not only good news for him personally, but also has strategic significance for the Astros’ entire season.

Despite the positive signs, Brown’s recovery process is still being assessed as a “cautious, step-by-step” approach.

According to internal plans, if he begins his rehab assignment this weekend, Brown may need:

2–4 minor league appearances
Gradually increasing pitch count per game
Shoulder reaction tests after each pitch

This means he can’t return to MLB immediately, but the door to a comeback in the coming weeks is wider open than ever.

With the Astros needing a strong boost for the midseason, Hunter Brown’s return is seen as a significant upgrade.

Not only because his 96 mph speed is still there, but also because of the consistency in his pitching – a factor that helped him explode last season.

One coaching staff member even commented internally:

“We’re not just seeing a recovering pitcher. We’re seeing an ace coming back.”

From a seemingly ordinary BP live broadcast, Hunter Brown sent the strongest message since his injury: he is very close to his return.

And if his body responds well in the next 24 hours, this weekend could mark a crucial turning point – the moment the Astros begin their journey to bring one of MLB’s most promising young arms back into the big spotlight.

A 96 mph pitch.

A 22-pitch practice session.

And possibly the start of a long-awaited comeback in Houston.