Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Astros Head to Toronto With Altuve's Role In Question
The Houston Astros were without one of their franchise cornerstones as second baseman Jose Altuve wasn't in the Astros' lineup for the second consecutive day.
Altuve “felt something in his oblique” during a swing he took in Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels but no MRI was done.
He may not see the field on Monday as they head to Toronto.
The eight-time All-Star ran and threw on the field pregame on Sunday, but did not hit or play at second. Astros manager Dusty Baker said he was “day-to-day” and it's unclear if he will be available Monday.
It's only been two weeks since Altuve was activated off the injured list on May 19. A fractured thumb suffered in the World Baseball Classic sidelined Altuve for the first 43 games of the season.
Since his return, Altuve is hitting .286/.388/.500 with two homers, six RBI and a .888 OPS in 42 at-bats.
He's been beneficial for the Astros. They're 9-2 this season with Altuve in the lineup.
Mauricio Dubon had been putting in time at second base until Altuve's return but saw increased playing time over the weekend.
The Astros lost 2-1 to the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday, snapping a 3-game winning streak.
Houston is 35-24 in the American League West, just three and a half games back of the division-leading Texas Rangers.
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