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Astros Place Altuve on IL, Roster Shuffles Amid 19-29 Slump

5/18/2026

26 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Altuve Injured

Jose Altuve was placed on the injured list with a grade-2 left oblique strain.
Manager Joe Espada announced the move Sunday, urging the team to keep fighting as the Astros sit at a 19-29 record with 14 injured.
Rookie Brice Matthews started at second base Sunday, went 1-for-4, giving Braden Shewmake a chance while Jeremy Peña returns Monday.
Jake Meyers and Nate Pearson could be activated before the Twins game.

Summary

Altuve Out

Jose Altuve, 36, is sidelined by an injury, further depleting the Astros roster.
He spent his 16-year career with Houston, posting a .302 average, 259 homers and 901 RBIs.
This season he is batting .245 with four homers and 12 RBIs in 42 games.
Manager Joe Espada said young players will assume larger roles after Carlos Correa’s season-ending ankle surgery.

Summary

Altuve Leaves

The Astros placed staff ace pitcher Hunter Brown and closer Josh Hader on the injured list, expanding the injury roster to 14 players.
José Altuve left the Saturday game after grounding into a double play, clutching his side and walking to the clubhouse with manager Joe Espada and a trainer.
Manager Joe Espada said the team must “fight through this one” and that young players will get more opportunities.

Summary

Altuve Homers

Jose Altuve’s 42nd leadoff homer moved him into second on the Astros’ all-time list, behind Craig Biggio’s 53.
General manager Dana Brown said right-hander Nate Pearson, who can top 101 mph, will join the Minnesota bullpen after Triple-A rehab.
Houston opens a three-game series at Target Field in Minneapolis on Monday, hoping to improve its 19-29 record despite injuries.

History

Historical Context

In 2015 the Houston Astros, under new manager A.J. Hinch, posted an 86-76 record and dealt with a sizable injury list, their first winning season since 2008 and first AL playoff appearance. The same injury surge reappeared in 2024, sidelining José Altuve and forcing manager Joe Espada to start rookie Brice Matthews, highlighting MLB’s growing focus on roster depth and health resources.

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Altuve Injured

Jose Altuve was placed on the injured list with a grade-2 left oblique strain.
Manager Joe Espada announced the move Sunday, urging the team to keep fighting as the Astros sit at a 19-29 record with 14 injured.
Rookie Brice Matthews started at second base Sunday, went 1-for-4, giving Braden Shewmake a chance while Jeremy Peña returns Monday.
Jake Meyers and Nate Pearson could be activated before the Twins game.

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