The Latest Update on Houston Astros’ Jose Altuve and Chas McCormick
During Wednesday’s game against the Oakland Athletics, Houston Astros’ second baseman Jose Altuve exited the game after the fifth inning due to right side discomfort. Despite this, Altuve and manager Joe Espada expressed cautious optimism about the situation.
Altuve called out Espada and the trainer after feeling something in his side during an at-bat in the fifth inning. He proceeded to complete the at-bat with a bunt attempt but did not return to the field in the sixth inning.
Manager Espada explained, “He got fooled on the pitch, and he kind of felt something. Out of precaution, he decided to bunt with two strikes just to make sure he was fine. Right now, he is considered day-to-day.”
Altuve mentioned that the discomfort only arose after that particular swing and expressed hope that he would feel better by the next day. Although Altuve has a history of missing time due to an oblique injury, Espada clarified that the current issue does not seem related.
Altuve stated, “I’m not really worried. Maybe I just wake up tomorrow, and I’m good to go, so I don’t really want to take any positions tonight because normally, with an injury, you wait until the next day and see how you feel.”
In the top of the sixth, Altuve was replaced by Mauricio Dubón at second base, with Ben Gamel moving from right to left field and Jason Heyward taking Altuve’s spot in the lineup.
As for Chas McCormick, the Astros received unfortunate news as he was diagnosed with a small fracture in his right hand following the game. McCormick’s injury, sustained while making a catch against the outfield wall, will require a stint on the 10-day injured list.
McCormick expressed his disappointment, saying, “It sucks. It’s really disappointing. I just want to be out here trying to help the team win, especially at the end of the season, going into the playoffs.”
Before exiting the game, Altuve went 0 for 3 and currently holds a .302 batting average this season with 19 home runs and 62 RBIs, ranking fourth in the majors for hits.