Why Are Houston Astros Benching Altuve on Sunday Against Reds?

The Houston Astros will sit second baseman Jose Altuve on Sunday against the Cincinnati Reds.

Kade Kistner | Jun 18, 2023

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

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The Houston Astros will be without second baseman Jose Altuve in the starting lineup on Father's Day Sunday against the Cincinnati Reds.

Sitting Altuve on Sunday was apparently always part of the plan, even though he has been mired in a slump for the better part of the last two weeks.

During the month of June prior to Saturday night's game, Altuve held a .171 batting average. Prior to Saturday's game, Astros manager Dusty Baker said he would be sitting Altuve on Sunday as a pre-planned precaution geared towards long-term health.

It made sense, even if it was thinly veiled as a way to help the prolific second baseman get a breather.

And in typical Altuve fashion, following that news he went out and recorded four hits in Saturday's 10-3 loss to the Reds.

Even then, Baker reiterated that Altuve would still get his day of rest.

“It’s tough because he took some mighty swings today, and I’m still being cautious about his legs and his side and everything else,” Baker said. “He’s feeling OK, but I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do to have him for the long run. It’s a tough decision, but it’s my decision.”

At this juncture, a day of rest for the long-term health of Altuve and his hand appears to be the best path forward.

Now, Houston must try and avoid the series sweep on Sunday when they host Cincinnati at Minute Maid Park.

Ronel Blanco will take the mound for the Astros (1-0, 3.86) and will face Luke Weaver (1-2, 6.23). First pitch is slated for 1:10 p.m. CT.

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Published Jun 18, 2023

KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.