Houston Astros Activate Two-Time World Champion Jose Altuve
The Houston Astros are getting a huge boost on Friday night, as they'll welcome starting second baseman Jose Altuve back to the lineup.
Altuve has been out since March because of a thumb injury sustained in the World Baseball Classic. He needed surgery but is ready to return now.
His presence should lengthen the Astros lineup that already features Yordan Alvarez, Kyle Tucker and Jeremy Pena.
The defending champions have gotten out to a slow start this year, so this could provide the team a jolt. The Astros are currently 24-19 and two games back of the Texas Rangers in the American League West.
They have won seven of their last 10.
Altuve is a lifetime .307 hitter who is closing in on 2,000 career hits (1,935). He's hit 192 career home runs as well and has been integral to the Astros titles in both 2017 and 2022.
Altuve is an eight-time All-Star selection who led baseball in hits for four straight years (2014-2018). He's also led the majors in stolen bases twice and is a three-time batting champion (2014, 2016-2017). He won the American League MVP in 2017 and has received votes in seven different seasons.
He's also won a Gold Glove award at second base in 2015.
The Astros will begin a series on Friday night against the hapless Oakland Athletics. Brandon Bielak will start for Houston while Ken Waldichuk will pitch for Oakland.
The Athletics own the worst record in baseball at 10-35. They are already 17.0 games out of first place.
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