Jose

Altuve

Altuve was deemed ineligible because the criteria for WBC insurance coverage was not met. A statement from the MLBPA on Altuve’s behalf stated that the 35-year-old is “is obviously disappointed in this result, but he is looking forward to getting to spring training and preparing himself for a successful season.”

It remains unclear how Houston plans to incorporate Paredes into their infield mix with Christian Walker occupying first base and Carlos Correa stationed at third base. The 26-year-old slugging infielder’s pull-heavy approach seems like a perfect fit for Daikin Park’s favorable left-field dimensions and he projects as a 20-homer lock with everyday at-bats. The possibility of adding second base-eligibility is an interesting wrinkle for fantasy purposes but the Astros are committed to playing franchise cornerstone Jose Altuve at the keystone next season.

Espada added that Altuve will draw the occasional start in left field but the Astros are planning to keep him at the keystone next season. It’s undoubtedly a positive development for his long-term fantasy appeal as he’ll retain eligibility at arguably the weakest position group instead of transitioning to a full-time outfield role. The 35-year-old veteran underwent minor offseason foot surgery after hitting .265/.329/.442 with 26 homers and 10 steals over 155 games. He’s averaged 24 homers and 13 steals per-season for the last half-decade and has shown zero signs of slowing down. He’ll be an early-round selection in all fantasy drafts this spring.

McTaggart adds that the procedure to remove fluid from a wound between his toes was relatively minor in nature and Altuve is expected to be ready for the start of spring training. The veteran franchise cornerstone, who dealt with lingering right foot pain during the final two weeks of last season, split time between second base and left field during his age-35 campaign, hitting .265/.329/.442 with 26 homers and 10 steals over 155 games. He’s averaged 24 homers and 13 steals per-season for the last half-decade and has shown zero signs of slowing down as he approaches his late-30’s. He’ll be an early-round selection in all fantasy drafts next spring as a top-five option at the keystone.

No surprises here. The quartet of established veterans — Altuve, Paredes, Correa and Walker — will sit out Houston’s final regular-season contest after being eliminated from playoff contention earlier this weekend.

Altuve delivered a run-scoring double off of J.T. Ginn in the second inning that increased the Astros’ lead to 3-0. He then scored on a ground out off the bat of Carlos Correa. The 35-year-old outfielder also walked in the fourth inning and scored on an RBI knock by Chrisitan Walker. He then piled on with an RBI single in the fifth that made it a 9-0 ballgame. With his two-hit attack, Altuve is now slashing .265/.329/.443 with 26 homers, 77 RBI and 10 stolen bases (in 16 attempts) on the season.

Peña’s ongoing absence due to left oblique soreness complicates Houston’s path to the postseason as they battle with Boston and Cleveland for one of the final two AL Wild Card playoff berths. The 28-year-old shortstop has been one of the hottest hitters in baseball recently, batting .329 (11-for-29) with two homers and eight RBI over his last seven games. It’ll be Mauricio Dubón filling in at shortstop with Jose Altuve moving up to the leadoff spot in his absence.

It’s a relief for the Astros, and fantasy managers, that Altuve is ready for Monday’s pivotal showdown at Daikin Park after dealing with right foot discomfort over the weekend. The veteran second baseman hasn’t shown any real signs of slowing down as he creeps towards his late 30’s with 25 homers and nine steals in 144 contests this season.

Altuve gets a breather following an early exit from Saturday’s contest with right foot discomfort. The 35-year-old veteran figures to undergo some additional evaluation and possibly imaging this weekend to determine the severity of the issue. It doesn’t sound overly serious for now, though the Astros haven’t offered much clarity. It’ll be Mauricio Dubón handling second base in his absence.

Altuve was lifted for precautionary reasons, according to Astros manager Joe Espada, after complaining of foot discomfort during the early stages of Saturday’s contest. The 35-year-old veteran will undergo further evaluation to determine the severity of the issue. He’s day-to-day heading into Sunday’s series finale against Atlanta.