Inside the Astros

Altuve Making Quick Strides Towards Return to Houston Astros

Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve could be back much sooner than expected after a fractured thumb.

Andy Jasner

Altuve Making Quick Strides Towards Return to Houston Astros
Altuve Making Quick Strides Towards Return to Houston Astros /
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The Houston Astros need Jose Altuve.

That’s not exactly breaking news.

During the regular season in 2022, Altuve hit .300/.387/.533 with 28 home runs and 57 RBI. He also stole 18 bases in 19 tries.

Forget the postseason slump which included an 0-for-25 skid and a 3-for-16 stretch in the American League Championship Series. He was still one of the biggest reasons why the Astros captured their second World Series title since 2017.

Altuve suffered a fractured thumb in the World Baseball Classic and has yet to play in ’23.

But he’s getting closer and that’s great news for the Astros.

Altuve took eight at-bats in a simulated game Tuesday in Anaheim, Calif., according to MLB.com.

Altuve had been estimated to miss the first 8-12 weeks of the season, but it now appears that he’s slightly ahead of schedule.

The eight-time All-Star has been participating in light baseball activities.

Luckily for the Astros, it’s still very early in the season. They need Altuve to be at his best as the season gets to August, September and then the postseason.

Altuve’s leadership is tremendous and his teammates follow. History proves that.

Minor steps like simulated at-bats are never a reason to celebrate. But it means he’s getting closer.

That’s great news all around.

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Andy Jasner
ANDY JASNER

Andy Jasner is a freelance writer based in the Philadelphia area. Jasner graduated from Syracuse University in 1991 and has worked for newspapers, magazines and websites including CBS SportsLine and ESPN.com. Jasner has written two books -- Baltimore Ravens and Phil Jasner: On The Case. Follow him on Twitter at @AndyJasner.

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