Houston Astros’ second baseman Jose Altuve suffered an injury to his right hand during the United States/Venezuela World Baseball Classic game after being hit by a 95.9 mph sinker from Daniel Bard. The severity of the injury is unknown, but there are concerns that it may be a broken right thumb. Altuve’s absence would be a significant blow to the Astros’ bench depth, which was already a concern given the lack of big league experience on hand. Houston was expected to use David Hensley and Mauricio Dubon as primary utilitymen this season, but if Altuve faces a long absence, the Astros might need to quickly search for available free agents to fill the gap.
Jose Altuve’s Injury During WBC Game
During the fifth inning of the United States/Venezuela World Baseball Classic game, second baseman Jose Altuve was hit on the right hand by a 95.9 mph sinker from Daniel Bard, causing him to leave the field in visible discomfort. Astros GM Dana Brown revealed that Altuve’s injury is to his right hand, and he is undergoing tests to determine the extent of the injury. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, there is an “initial concern” that Altuve may have suffered a broken right thumb, but there is no confirmation yet.
The severity of Altuve’s injury is still unknown, and more information is expected to be released once Altuve undergoes further tests and imaging. Although the outcome of tonight’s game for Venezuela is uncertain, Altuve’s early departure suggests that he has played his last game in the 2023 WBC. This is because the Astros will likely want Altuve back in camp for a fuller examination of the injury.
This incident has raised concerns among baseball fans, given Edwin Diaz’s knee surgery, which is still fresh in people’s minds. While a hand or wrist issue may not be as serious as Diaz’s knee injury, the worst-case scenario of a fracture or outright break could still mean a lengthy absence for Altuve.
Altuve is an important player for the Astros and has played a significant role in the team’s success over the years. He has eight All-Star appearances and won the 2017 AL MVP Award, making him one of baseball’s most prominent names. The injury is a significant blow to the team and fans alike, and everyone is eagerly awaiting more information on the injury and Altuve’s potential return to the game.
Astros’ Bench Depth Concerns with Altuve Out of Action
Houston Astros’ bench depth could be in trouble after second baseman Jose Altuve was hit on the right hand by a 95.9 mph sinker from Daniel Bard during the United States/Venezuela World Baseball Classic game. There is an “initial concern” that Altuve may have suffered a broken right thumb, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
The Astros bench depth was already a question mark with the lack of big league experience on hand. In addition, utilityman Aledmys Diaz signed with the A’s in free agency, leaving Houston to rely on David Hensley, Mauricio Dubon, Rylan Bannon, and Dixon Machado as their primary utilitymen this season. However, if Altuve is out of action for an extended period, the Astros might be scrambling for available free agents to fill in the gap.
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