After playing without their All-Star second baseman for over a month, Jose Altuve is taking the final big step before a potential return to the Houston Astros.
The team announced Altuve and teammate Collin McHugh will begin their rehab assignments tonight in Triple-A Round Rock.
This will be Altuve’s second shot at a rehab assignment, though the organization is obviously hoping the results are far better this time.
He originally landed on the 10-day injured list in early May with a strained hamstring then suffered a setback on May 28 after experiencing fatigue and soreness in his right leg.
Now the All-Star is ready to hit the road once again and will be in Round Rock’s lineup on Friday night. While a return date to Houston still isn’t determined, he could rejoin the Astros in the near future if everything goes well.
Sitting atop the A.L. West with a 9.5 game lead, the Astros can afford to take their time bringing Altuve back. Once he is healthy, Altuve will return to a .801 OPS and add another great presence to Houston’s lineup.
