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.

Humberto Quintero remains out indefinitely with a high ankle sprain.

"It seems like every time I'm asked about him, I'm cautioned not to expect him back too quickly because of the high ankle sprain," Astros manager Brad Mills said. Quintero, who has been working with a physical therapist, has been out since late May, and it appears he's probably still a few weeks away.

Humberto Quintero went 2-for-3 in Houston's loss to the Cardinals on Wednesday.

The two-hit night was Quintero's first of the month after he turned in five in April. A .232 career hitter in 813 at-bats entering 2011, Quintero was never likely to keep up his hot hitting, and should remain quarantined to NL-only leagues.

Humberto Quintero slapped three singles in three at-bats Wednesday, raising his spring average to .452.

Quintero might struggle to maintain a .452 OPS during the regular season, but he is a fine defender and the hot spring would seem to guarantee that he'll get the vast majority of the starts for the Astros next month. J.R. Towles will likely back him up.

The Astros plan to look internally to replace injured catcher Jason Castro.

The means Humberto Quintero is likely to hold down the starting job, with J.R. Towles backing him up. "We've got to give these guys a chance," GM Ed Wade said. "Johnny Bench probably isn't game-ready right now." Wade did add the caveat that "if there's anything we can do to help the club, we'll do that." There's no doubt that Quintero and Towles will be an underwhelming pair, so it's possible the Astros could eventually seek a trade for someone like Ryan Doumit.

Astros agreed to terms with catcher Humberto Quintero on a one-year, $1 million contract.

Quintero, who was arbitration-eligible again this winter, could earn even more with incentives, which is amazing for a guy with a 593 career OPS. The 31-year-old backstop batted just .234/.262/.317 with four home runs and 20 RBI over 265 at-bats with the Astros this past season, but did throw out 35 percent (19-for-54) of would-be basestealers. In an ideal world, he'll be a strict backup to young catcher Jason Castro.

Humberto Quintero was 2-for-4 with a two-run homer in a win over the Nationals on Monday night.

Quintero and Geoff Blum went deep in a seven-run fifth inning for the 'Stros. It was the fourth home run of the year for Quintero and his first since June 10. The backstop has driven in four runs over the past two days, but he doesn't come recommended as a fantasy option, even in the deepest of two-catcher NL-only formats.

Humberto Quintero returned to action on Friday June 25.

Humberto Quintero (head) expects to be ready on Tuesday.

Quintero was struck in the head by Rangers shortstop Andres Blanco's backswing on Sunday and had to be lifted from the game. It was a bloody scene, but he reported no immediate concussion-like symptoms.

Humberto Quintero left the Astros' game after being struck in the head by Andres Blanco's backswing.

Quintero looked dazed and head blood on his face, but did leave under his own power. Kevin Cash replaced him as the Astros' catcher.

Humberto Quintero went 3-for-4 with a solo homer and an RBI double Thursday against the Rockies.

Quintero has nine hits, including a pair of homers, in his last four games, raising his average from .224 to .268. He's not going to keep hitting, but he has a little value in NL-only leagues at the moment.

Humberto Quintero will catch Roy Oswalt for the first time this season on Tuesday night.

There's some minor significance here, because J.R. Towles has caught all five of Oswalt's starts so far this season. Coincidence or not, Oswalt is off to a fantastic start, posting a 2.73 ERA and 1.15 WHIP. Ultimately, it shouldn't have much impact, because Oswalt is a quality pitcher regardless of who is behind the plate.