"The Astros removed veteran star Jose Altuve from their win over the Braves in the third inning today due to what the team has termed "right foot discomfort." The specifics of Altuve's ailment weren't immediately clear, but manager Joe Espada told reporters (including Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle) after the game that Altuve's foot began bothering him after he ran the bases in the third inning, leading them to take him out of the game as a precaution."
"It goes without saying that losing Altuve for any amount of time would be a substantial blow to the Astros at a crucial point in the season. They have a measly half-game lead over the Mariners pending the outcome of tonight's game in Seattle, and the Rangers lurk just two games behind them. While most division leaders have their spot in the postseason locked up at this point, the Astros actually have just an 80.0% chance to make it to October according to Fangraphs,"
"Altuve will be crucial if the club is going to avoid getting overtaken in the postseason race, much less make an impact once they get to October. The longtime second baseman has begun playing some outfield this year due to the team's lack of quality depth on the grass, although he's largely split time between second base and DH in more recent weeks."
Jose Altuve exited the third inning with right foot discomfort after running the bases and was removed as a precaution. Manager Joe Espada said Altuve is being evaluated and initial indications were relatively encouraging. The Astros hold a half-game lead over the Mariners with the Rangers two games back, and Fangraphs gives the team an 80.0% chance to reach the postseason; they are not favored to win the AL West. Altuve has split time between second base and DH while also playing some outfield this season. Altuve has slumped recently, posting a .208/.276/.383 slash line in 38 games since August, but carries a 112 wRC+ for the year and a long history of above-average production.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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