With a 3-2 win over the New York Yankees last night, the Houston Astros went up 2-0 in the ALCS and will take that lead into Game 3 at Yankee Stadium.
But despite their commanding lead in the ALCS and the fact that they have yet to lose a game this postseason, there is a little cause for concern, and it surrounds All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve.
The 32-year-old is hitless in 23 at-bats this October, which breaks a tie with Dal Maxvill, who went 0-for-22 for the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1968 World Series against the Detroit Tigers.
He’s also struck out eight times and walked just twice.
Jose Altuve is now 0-for-23 this postseason.
That breaks a tie with Dal Maxvill, who went 0-for-22 for the Cardinals in the 1968 World Series, for the longest hitless streak to begin a postseason in MLB history. (h/t @EliasSports) pic.twitter.com/lghahy5lbi
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 21, 2022
Altuve Struggling In October
This is quite unlike Altuve, who is typically at his best in October.
For his career, Altuve is hitting .267 with 23 home runs, 49 RBI, and an .853 OPS in postseason play.
This year has been different, however, and the Astros may look to shuffle their lineup a little for Game 3 in order to get him going again.
Altuve went deep 28 times and drove in 57 during the regular season, hitting for an even .300 batting average.
For whatever reason, Altuve has not been himself this October.
Fortunately for the Astros, all they needed in Game 2 was a three-run shot by Alex Bregman in the bottom of the third inning.
That was enough for lefty Framber Valdez, who made it through seven innings and allowed just two runs.
Still, Altuve’s struggles are reason to be concerned for the Astros and their fans.
With Houston going up against former Astro Gerrit Cole in Game 3, Altuve will be needed in order to get anything going.
Game 3 gets underway on Saturday at 5:07 p.m. Eastern Time.
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