The Houston Astros, who haven’t shown the same run-scoring prowess this year in comparison to 2021, will be without a key player for the foreseeable future: infielder Jose Altuve.
The second baseman suffered an injury on Monday night while trying to beat out an infield single.
The organization made sure to update his status for everyone to see: he’s being placed on the 10-day injured list.
“The Astros have placed IF Jose Altuve on the 10-day IL today with a left hamstring strain…to take his place on the active roster, we selected IF J.J. Matijevic (#13) to the Major League roster…to make room on the 40-man, we transferred IF Taylor Jones to the 60-day IL,” Houston tweeted on Wednesday.
The Astros have placed IF Jose Altuve on the 10-day IL today with a left hamstring strain…to take his place on the active roster, we selected IF J.J. Matijevic (#13) to the Major League roster…to make room on the 40-man, we transferred IF Taylor Jones to the 60-day IL.
— Houston Astros (@astros) April 20, 2022
They made it clear that Altuve’s placement on the shelf is retroactive to April 19.
The Strain Isn’t Terribly Severe
Strains have several grades.
In this particular case, and although the Astros didn’t grade its severity, the strain isn’t expected to require a lengthy absence beyond the 10 days.
Altuve is eligible to return next weekend, and there is at least a good chance he does just that.
Niko Goodrum is occupying his place as the second baseman on Wednesday, and Aledmys Diaz is an option to play there, too.
Altuve, the 2017 American League MVP, wasn’t off to a hot start, but everyone knows what he’s capable of when he is on.
He is hitting .167 with two runs, one homer, three RBI, a couple of steals, and a .518 OPS.
When he’s on, Altuve is one of the toughest outs in MLB, so the Astros hope his stay on the injured list is short.
He will be missed while he is gone, however.
NEXT: Astros Insider Details Jose Altuve's Injury Status