HOUSTON -- Houston Astros' third baseman Isaac Paredes took a significant step in his recovery from a right hamstring injury by running and fielding on Wednesday. This marked the first time he has engaged in such activities since sustaining the injury on July 19 in Seattle. Despite this progress, both Paredes and Astros manager Joe Espada remain cautious about his potential return this season.

"He looked really good," Espada commented. "He's really happy. He ran, he's going to go in there and hit right now. Today was a really good day for Paredes and us."

Speaking through an interpreter, Paredes expressed optimism but acknowledged that he is not yet at full strength. "I felt very good, (but) he's not 100% yet," Paredes said. "Right now we are taking it day-to-day. I'm going to Florida this week for rehab, but right now, we are day-to-day. Hopefully, though, I'll be back this season."

Before his injury, Paredes was having a solid season, batting .259 with 19 home runs and 50 RBIs. He has been making steady progress in his recovery, starting with hitting in the batting cages on Tuesday. "I've progressed a lot," Paredes noted. "Before I couldn't run, but right now, I'm running -- not 100% -- but I am running, so that's good news."

Paredes has been cleared to engage in all baseball activities and will focus on improving his leg strength and overall physical condition during his rehab in Florida. He also mentioned that he felt good while fielding ground balls hit directly at him, though he is still working on fielding balls hit to his sides.

The Astros acquired Carlos Correa at the trade deadline, who has since taken over as the starting third baseman. Paredes indicated that there have been no discussions about his potential position upon return, as his comeback this season is still uncertain. "We don't know if I'm coming back this season," Paredes said.

Paredes chose rehabilitation over surgery, aiming for a possible return this season. "I chose the rehab because the opinions from doctors were various," he explained. "I went with the positive to be able to recover, and I wanted to do what's possible to return this season. Right now we don't know. The season is ending, and we don't know if I'll return. We're day to day and putting effort into the recovery to be ready soon."

As the MLB season nears its conclusion, the Astros and their fans are hopeful that Paredes can make a successful return, bolstering the team's lineup for the final stretch.