Before leaving the game in the eighth inning, Jose Altuve hit a home run in the first inning. Tim Warner / Getty Images
HOUSTON — Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve exited Saturday’s game against the Texas Rangers after an awkward ending to an eighth-inning at-bat.
With a runner at first base and no outs, Altuve hit a rollover groundball to third base. Instead of running down the first-base line, Altuve appeared to grab his left side and began to walk toward the dugout. Video showed Altuve grimacing after taking the swing and as he trudged toward the dugout.
Manager Joe Espada and an athletic trainer met him and escorted Altuve to the team’s clubhouse. Altuve, who homered in the first inning against Texas starter Jacob deGrom, did not emerge to play defense in the ninth inning.
Missing Altuve for any length of time would further cripple a ballclub that will struggle to absorb it. Houston has 14 players on the injured list, including ace Hunter Brown, closer Josh Hader, third baseman Carlos Correa and shortstop Jeremy Peña.
Correa already underwent season-ending surgery on his left ankle, and Peña has not played since April 11 while nursing a hamstring strain. Peña is currently on a minor-league rehab assignment and, barring any setbacks, should rejoin the Astros during their upcoming road trip to Minnesota.
May 17, 2026
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