Jose Altuve is finally back and made his return to the Astros lineup Friday night against the Athletics. He had been out since May 18 with a Grade 2 left oblique strain, and his return could not come at a better time for a team that has been battling injuries all season.
Altuve suffered the strain on May 14 on an awkward swing against the Texas Rangers and was placed on the 10-day IL four days later. He spent time rehabbing at the Astros facility in West Palm Beach, Florida, before returning to Houston in late May to work out with the team. After taking batting practice, running the bases, and fielding ground balls he was cleared to return. He was not expected back until June 19 but came back early, just in time to catch some of the momentum the Astros have finally been building.
The 36-year-old has played 16 seasons with the Astros. His career batting average is .302 with 259 home runs, 901 RBIs, and 326 stolen bases, per MLB. Altuve is one of the most accomplished players in franchise history, a 2017 AL MVP and nine-time All-Star.
Before the injury he was batting .245 with 4 home runs, 10 doubles, and 12 RBIs in 42 games, per MLB. He started the season strong with multiple multi-hit games in March and April before cooling off.
What Does His Return Mean for the Astros?
The Astros lineup gets a significant boost at the top of the order. Altuve adds experience and stability to a lineup that has been leaning heavily on Alvarez, Walker, and Peña. His presence changes how opposing pitchers approach the lineup and gives the Astros another veteran bat at a critical point in the season.
The Astros are 29-36 and need to start climbing. With Altuve back, Hader in the bullpen, and Hunter Brown returning soon this team is starting to look whole again. June could be the month everything comes together and the AL West is still very much in play.
Altuve's return is another piece of the puzzle falling into place. The Astros have the talent but they were missing too many key players and too much chemistry. Things could look very different for this team in the next few weeks and stringing wins together should get a whole lot easier.
