Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve provided an encouraging update on Saturday as he continues recovery from a Grade 2 left oblique strain suffered on May 16 against the Texas Rangers after an awkward swing. He was placed on the 10-day injured list following the injury.
Altuve said he feels the current strain is less severe than the left oblique injury he dealt with in 2023, when he missed about 3½ weeks and 17 games around the All-Star break. Despite that, there is still no clear timetable for his return.
As of Saturday at Wrigley Field during Houston’s series against the Chicago Cubs, Altuve has not resumed baseball activities and is still receiving treatment. However, he was seen near the first-base dugout about 90 minutes before the game, drawing ovations from fans, waving, and completing a light outfield workout.
Altuve said that if his progress continues, he could resume playing catch next week. He is also expected to continue his rehab at the Astros’ facility in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he will reportedly travel on Sunday for more individualized work with team trainers, as outlined by manager Joe Espada.
Before the injury, Altuve played 42 games in 2026, producing a .245 batting average with a .326 on-base percentage and .380 slugging percentage, along with 40 hits, 4 home runs, 12 RBIs, 27 runs scored, and 1 stolen base. He hit his fourth home run in the same game he exited early.
The 36-year-old veteran, in his 16th MLB season, all with Houston, has a career line of .302 with 2,428 hits, 259 home runs, 901 RBIs, 1,263 runs, and 326 stolen bases across 2,018 games. He was the 2017 American League MVP and has helped the team win World Series titles in 2017 and 2022.
The Astros, who currently have 13 players on the injured list, have been managing a difficult stretch, sitting at 21-31 through 52 games, including a 5-5 mark over their last 10 contests and a 9-17 road record. In Altuve’s absence, Braden Shewmake and Brice Matthews have split time at second base.
While Altuve indicated this spring that he intended to play more than 150 games this season, that is now no longer possible due to the injury.
Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve provided an encouraging update on Saturday as he continues recovery from a Grade 2 left oblique strain suffered on May 16 against the Texas Rangers after an awkward swing. He was placed on the 10-day injured list following the injury.
