Maxwell changes gloves, returns to plate

For the first time in more than a week, Astros outfielder Justin Maxwell was able to take his turns at the plate Thursday, as he served as a pinch-hitter and defensive replacement in an 8-4 loss to the Giants. Maxwell has been out since Aug. 21 with a bruised right index finger, but a switch to a different batting glove has allowed him to take swings again. "We had to modify the batting glove and put some padding on it so I'll finish out the rest of the season and allow it to fully heal in the offseason so I can help the team win some games here in September, if not today," he told MLB.com. Maxwell finished the game 0 for 2 with two strikeouts.