The Houston Astros could not have won the 2022 World Series without the play of Jose Altuve.
He has been the heart and soul of their team for so many years, as his play impacts their whole lineup.
Maybe that is why the Astros are not playing up to their standard this season.
Houston has a record of 19-18 and is currently in third place in the AL West.
Altuve has not played in a game this season as he is recovering from a broken right thumb.
He suffered that injury in the World Baseball Classic after being hit by a pitch.
But, it appears the Astros will welcome the former MVP back to their lineup soon.
According to the Astros on Twitter, Altuve will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Sugar Land on Friday.
2B Jose Altuve will begin a rehab assignment with Triple A Sugar Land tonight.
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 12, 2023
It should not take Altuve long to get back to the big league team.
Usually, the rehab assignments only take a few games.
So it would make sense if Altuve is back in the Astros lineup early next week.
The Astros could use their leadoff hitter back in lineup.
He has always been a great contact hitter and can get on base at a high rate.
Adding Altuve back should be able to help the Astros turn their season around.
The AL West looks quite competitive this season with the Texas Rangers looking like serious threats.
It will be interesting to see if the Rangers have enough to knock off the Astros over a full 162-game season.
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