Astros’ Jose Altuve exits game after grabbing side on awkward swing

HOUSTON — Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve exited Saturday’s game towards the Texas Rangers after an awkward ending to an eighth-inning at-bat.

With a runner at first base and no outs, Altuve hit a rollover groundball to 3rd base. Instead of operating down the first-base line, Altuve appeared to seize his left side and commenced to stroll towards the dugout. Video confirmed Altuve grimacing after taking the swing and as he trudged towards the dugout.

Manager Joe Espada and an athletic coach met him and escorted Altuve to the crew’s clubhouse. Altuve, who homered within the first inning towards Texas starter Jacob deGrom, didn’t emerge to play protection within the ninth inning.

Missing Altuve for any size of time would additional cripple a ballclub that may battle to soak up it. Houston has 14 gamers on the injured listing, together with ace Hunter Brown, nearer Josh Hader, third baseman Carlos Correa and shortstop Jeremy Peña.

Correa already underwent season-ending surgical procedure on his left ankle, and Peña has not performed since April 11 whereas nursing a hamstring pressure. Peña is presently on a minor-league rehab task and, barring any setbacks, ought to rejoin the Astros throughout their upcoming street journey to Minnesota.