Outfielder Jose Cruz of the Houston Astros...

Outfielder Jose Cruz of the Houston Astros returned to Texas from spring training for tests on an injured knee that could force the club to begin the season without two-thirds of its starting outfield.

The injury to Cruz’s right knee originally was diagnosed as a sprain, but continued swelling and pain in the knee prompted team officials to order tests by Dr. Bill Bryan. The knee was so badly swollen that trainer Dave Labossiere said a determination of the injury’s severity may not be possible until the swelling subsides.

Right fielder Terry Puhl, sidelined much of the spring with a severely sprained ankle, took batting practice Monday for the second time since his injury. But Puhl’s inability to run at full speed may force him to start the season on the disabled list, and Astro officials believe he may miss the first six games of the season.