Jose Altuve’s Left-Side Injury Casts Doubt on Astros’ Infield Plans

Veteran second baseman José Altuve left Houston’s 4-1 victory over the Texas Rangers in the eighth inning after clutching his left side. The injury followed an awkward swing that produced a ground-out to third; Altuve did not run to first and walked toward the dugout, holding his side. He was replaced by rookie infielder Nick Allen. Altuve finished the game 1-for-4 with a walk and a solo home run.

HeavyESPNCBS SportsHouston Astros Potentially Lose Jose Altuve to InjuryAstros' Jose Altuve to undergo imaging after exiting with side injury

Altuve, a nine-time All-Star, 2017 AL MVP and World Series champion, has spent his entire 16-year career with the Astros and signed a five-year, $125 million extension in February 2024. He previously missed roughly three weeks in 2023 with a strained oblique, an injury that commonly hampers a hitter’s swing and can require a multi-week recovery.

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Through 41 games Altuve is batting .245 with three homers, 11 RBIs and a .693 OPS. The Astros sit fourth in the AL West at 19-28, 5.5 games behind the division leader and three games back of Seattle for the final wild-card spot. The infield is already depleted: third-base starter Carlos Correa is out after season-ending ankle surgery, and shortstop Jeremy Pena remains on the IL with a hamstring strain. If Altuve is placed on the injured list, depth players Nick Allen or prospect Shay Whitcomb are expected to assume larger roles.

Astros' Jose Altuve to undergo imaging after exiting with side injury

Manager Joe Espada said the situation was “not good he couldn’t even get out of the box and run,” and confirmed that doctors will perform imaging the next day. First baseman Christian Walker called the development “frustrating, for sure,” emphasizing Altuve’s disciplined preparation. Field reporter Julia Morales noted that Altuve “felt something on his left side on that last swing” and that imaging would be obtained promptly.

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Sources agree Altuve experienced left-side soreness, but they differ on whether he exited in the eighth or ninth inning and on the precise nature of the injury. No official medical diagnosis has been released, and MRI results are pending.

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• “It's frustrating, for sure,” — Christian Walker, First Baseman, Houston Astros

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• “It’s not good he couldn’t even get out of the box and run,” — Joe Espada, Manager, Houston Astros

Astros' Jose Altuve to undergo imaging after exiting with side injury

• “Jose Altuve felt something on his left side on that last swing,” — Julia Morales, Field Reporter, SportsNet Southwest

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• “He swung the bat, and he kind of felt something on the left side. Obviously, it’s not good that he couldn’t even get out of the box and run. We’re going to see the doctors tomorrow, get some imaging, and we’ll see.” — Joe Espada, Manager, Houston Astros

Houston Astros Potentially Lose Jose Altuve to Injury

Altuve is scheduled for an MRI on Sunday. Depending on the findings, Houston may place him on the injured list, promoting Allen or Whitcomb. The upcoming series against the Rangers and subsequent games will test the Astros’ depth while the club awaits a definitive medical update.

Houston Astros Potentially Lose Jose Altuve to Injury