Apr 29, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) prior to the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Philadelphia Phillies at Houston Astros
(Houston, Texas) — Jose Altuve is hoping for a brief stint on the injured list.
On Thursday, the Astros star told reporters that an MRI on his left oblique revealed only a minor sprain. He added that he hopes to return to action shortly after the All-Star break. The move is retroactive to Tuesday.
Oblique issues can be complicated, but it sounds like the veteran second baseman isn’t dealing with anything super serious.
Altuve was officially placed on the 10-day injured list ahead of Thursday’s series against the Mariners, but it sounds like he’ll only wind up missing a few games.
He apparently injured himself in batting practice, and missed games in June due to a similar issue.
It’s been a productive season for Altuve when he’s been healthy. He has posted a .264/.371/.479 batting line with six home runs in 143 at-bats.
Infielder David Hensley was recalled from Triple-A Sugar Land to take Altuve’s spot on the roster.
Aside from Altuve, Houston has multiple key players out due to injury.
All-Star left fielder Yordan Alvarez is also dealing with oblique issues and hasn’t played in nearly a month since. Veteran outfielder Michael Brantley, has been “shut down from baseball activities,” according to Astros manager Dusty Baker. He has yet to play in a game this year after shoulder surgery cut his 2022 season short.
The Astros enter play Thursday just two games behind the Texas Rangers in the AL West.
