Jose Altuve Injury Update: Astros star makes early exit against A’s with postseason looming 

Jose Altuve Injury Update: Astros star makes early exit against A’s with postseason looming – Source: Getty

Jose Altuve and the Houston Astros are going through a rough patch as the American League West leaders surrendered their series against the Oakland Athletics on Wedensday after a second consecutive defeat. It was the Astros’ third defeat on the trot since a 12-6 blowout against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday.

Although three defeats in a row are concerning enough, the Astros were struck a severe blow on Wednesday after star second baseman Jose Altuve left the game prematurely.

Altuve seemingly tweaked something after a swing off A’s starter Joey Estes. Astros manager Joe Espada and head trainer Jeremiah Randall visited the batters box to assess Altuve’s situation.

The All-Star slugger remained in the game before striking out on the next pitch and being removed before the start of the sixth. Former Dodgers player Jason Heyward, who signed for the Astros last month, replaced Altuve in the lineup.

Altuve reportedly suffered discomfort on his right side after taking the swing in the fifth and is day-to-day, per manager Joe Espada.

Jose Altuve reflects on his latest injury concern after Astros loss

Jose Altuve dismissed concerns surrounding his injury after the post-game interview, saying he just felt something, and it wasn’t as serious as the oblique strain he had sustained last year.

“I felt just a little something on the side, the right side. No, not the same (on the similarity of the injury he had last year). Sometimes, you have to wait till the next morning to see how you feel.”

While the Astros star will be assessed later, Altuve isn’t worried about missing too much game time with the postseason looming.

“Like I said, I’m not worried. We will wait until tomorrow morning. We don’t want to make any decisions tonight because normally, we wait until the next day to see how you feel.

Despite losing eight of their last 10 games, Espada’s team has a three-and-a-half game lead over the Seattle Mariners. The Astros will hope to avoid a series sweep against the A’s when the two teams clash in their series finale on Thursday in the absence of Altuve.