Camila Sosa
Houston Astros fans will have to remain on tenterhooks after it was announced that second baseman José Altuve will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis to confirm the severity of his injury.
Jose Altuve had to leave last Monday’s Astros game in the eighth inning with a left hamstring injury, with his team winning 7-3 against the Los Angeles Angels.
How Did José Altuve’s Injury Occur
The game was going relatively smoothly in the last few episodes for the Houston Astros, who had a comfortable lead over their opponents. José Altuve appeared in the batter’s box, and the Venezuelan showed once again his ability by hitting an infield single with just one out in the eighth inning.
However, the joy would be short-lived as the Venezuelan fell to the ground and threw his helmet away while in pain after successfully reaching first base after a great run. He was assisted by manager Dusty Baker and the medical team to leave the field, and was replaced at first base by pinch runner Aledmys Díaz,
We are evaluating it on a daily basis. We’ll have more answers (Tuesday). He will see the doctor. I can say that.
Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker, when asked about the status of José Altuve
José Altuve’s Momentum Ended Abruptly
The injury came at a bad time for José Altuve since that game against the Angels was the third in a row in which the Venezuelan managed to connect a hitand the second consecutive game in which he disputed a base on balls.
Those three games of hits equaled the same number of hits he had in the six games preceding this hot streak, so the injury cut short what appeared to be the awakening of José Altuve’s bat in this young MLB campaign in 2022.
What’s Next for the Astros
The undetermined absence of one of their best players on both offense and defense will be noticeable for an Astros team that face two series against the Toronto Blue Jays to end the month of April. In the meantime, they will face a relatively easier series against the Texas Rangers, who currently sit in the basement of the American League West Division.
For their part, the Astros start Tuesday with a 0.5-game lead over the Angels. Winning this series could give them some advantage at the top of the division to be able to face those complicated games against Toronto that lie ahead, for which they hope to have Altuve back in the lineup while everyone hopes that the injury is not serious and that he will be able to rejoin the team as soon as possible.
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