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Altuve Exits Astros Win, Imaging Sunday Amid Injury Crisis

5/17/2026

Summary

Altuve Injured

Jose Altuve left the Astros’ 4-1 win over Texas Rangers with a left-side injury and will have imaging Sunday.
Manager Joe Espada said Altuve could not run, walked to the dugout, and was batting .245 with 11 RBIs in 41 games.
His injury adds to Astros’ woes as third baseman Carlos Correa is out after ankle surgery and shortstop Jeremy Pena remains on the IL with a hamstring strain.

Summary

Altuve Sidelined

Jose Altuve signed a five-year, $125 million extension in February 2024, locking his salary through 2028.
Houston sits fourth in the AL West (19-28) and three games behind Seattle for the Wild Card, so Altuve’s loss could hurt the chase.
If Altuve is sidelined, Nick Allen and Shay Whitcomb will assume larger middle-infield duties.
Altuve’s résumé—nine All-Stars, 2017 MVP, and over 2,000 hits—keeps his Hall of Fame case alive despite health setbacks.

Summary

Altuve MRI

José Altuve will undergo MRI testing on Sunday after leaving the game with an injury.
The Astros have 14 players on the injured list as of Saturday, straining the roster.
Christian Walker said it is frustrating to see Altuve sidelined despite his healthy habits.
Nick Allen replaced Altuve at second base in the ninth inning and could start the series finale if Altuve remains unavailable.

History

Historical Context

After the White Sox broke an 88-year championship drought by sweeping the Astros in the 2005 World Series, Chicago showed that bench depth can offset heavy injury lists. The Astros, who switched to the American League in 2013 and won AL pennants in 2017 and 2022, now confront 14 injured players in 2024, threatening their Wild Card chase.

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Altuve Injured

Jose Altuve left the Astros’ 4-1 win over Texas Rangers with a left-side injury and will have imaging Sunday.
Manager Joe Espada said Altuve could not run, walked to the dugout, and was batting .245 with 11 RBIs in 41 games.
His injury adds to Astros’ woes as third baseman Carlos Correa is out after ankle surgery and shortstop Jeremy Pena remains on the IL with a hamstring strain.

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