A team that can ill afford any more injuries might have absorbed another.

Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes, an American League All-Star and the team’s home run leader, exited Saturday’s game at T-Mobile Park with what the team described as right hamstring discomfort.

Paredes pulled up lame while running to first base after a third-inning single. He had a significant limp while approaching the bag and exited the game after a visit from manager Joe Espada and Houston’s athletic training staff.

That Paredes injured his right hamstring must prompt some concern. He strained his right hamstring during a June 12 game against the Chicago White Sox but missed just three games and did not require a trip to the injured list.

Paredes played the next 26 games without an obvious incident, though the Astros allowed him to be careful running the bases. His presence has been one of the lone constants for an Astros lineup combating an avalanche of injuries.

Paredes started his 88th game of the season Saturday. His 94 appearances trail Jose Altuve’s for the team lead. Paredes’ 19 home runs are the most by any qualified Astro, and his .829 OPS trails just shortstop Jeremy Peña’s for the team lead.

Peña is on the IL with a left rib fracture, part of an injury inundation that has left Houston’s lineup searching for continuity. Slugger Yordan Alvarez has not appeared in a game since May 2 while recovering from a fractured hand. Peña and resurgent center fielder Jake Meyers have joined Alvarez on the IL in recent weeks.

If Paredes joins them, it would render the Astros’ infield into an almost unrecognizable state. Utilityman Mauricio Dubón is already playing shortstop in Peña’s stead but could shift to third base if Paredes must miss time.

Veteran journeyman Zack Short, who replaced Paredes on Saturday, is the most obvious candidate to gain more playing time. Infielder Shay Whitcomb is the only healthy position player on Houston’s 40-man roster, meaning he is the most likely call-up if Paredes requires a trip to the IL.

(Photo: Alika Jenner / Getty Images)