The Houston Astros were expecting to get star second baseman and former AL MVP Jose Altuve back soon. In fact, expectations were that he might be able to go Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs.
That’s no longer going to be the case. According to Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle, Altuve was sent back home and will be re-evaluated by Astros team doctors after he reported “fatigue and soreness” in his right leg.
Altuve, 29, had undergone major surgery back in October. But he was able to return for Opening Day. Unfortunately, the game’s best second baseman has been out since May 10 after suffering a hamstring injury.
It would appear that this most-recent setback has more to do with surgery he underwent months ago.
Altuve was hitting at just a .243 clip with a .329 OB in 39 games prior to the most-recent injury. This is a clear sign that he wasn’t anywhere near 100%.
From 2014-18, Altuve hit a cool .331 while averaging 17 homers, 73 RBI and 35 steals per season. He was the AL MVP back in 2017.