Houston Astros: Jose Altuve Injury Update

Anytime a player gets hit in the hand during an at-bat the worst-case scenario is a broken hand. This could put a player on the disabled list anywhere from several weeks to numerous months, depending on the severity of the injury.

Thankfully that will not be the case for Jose Altuve, who was hit by a pitch in his right hand while attempting to bunt during the Houston Astros dramatic 5-4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

According to Brian McTaggart (MLB.com), Altuve will be day-to-day after X-rays came back negative on his affected hand.

Astros fans everywhere can breath a sigh of relief now about their potential All-Star second baseman.

With the team on a roll lately after taking three of four from the Diamondbacks this week, losing Altuve for any long stretch of time would have been a major blow.

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Marwin Gonzalez, Altuve’s backup at second base, is a fine defensive player, but his offensive production is still far from competing with Jose’s. Not only has Altuve been the spark plug for the lineup, he has also been a leader for the resurgent Astros with his overall play. Replacing that type of production would have been a daunting task.

As long as his hand injury isn’t more severe than initially thought, he should pick up where he left off last night. That is the type of break the Astros needed. I can’t imagine Altuve plays tonight, but we should see him within a few days.

Tell me your initial reactions Astros fans! How relieved are you that Jose will be back in the lineup shortly?