Jose Altuve leaves Astros’ game vs. Braves with foot issue

Houston Astros’ second baseman Jose Altuve left Saturday night’s 6-2 win vs. the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park in the third inning due to right foot discomfort. He is considered day to day.

The 35-year-old All-Star exited the game after being forced out at second base on a fielder’s choice. Per MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart, he left the field “with no noticeable limp” and was replaced defensively by Ramon Urias.

Altuve was 1-for-2 in the game with a third-inning single before the injury. He declined an interview postgame despite being seen walking around the clubhouse.

Altuve leaves game with foot issue

Houston (81-68) can’t afford to lose Altuve for more than a couple games as it fights for the AL West. The Seattle Mariners (81-68) are tied with the Astros for the division lead with just 13 games left in the season, and the Texas Rangers (79-70) are two games behind. 

On a team that’s struggled offensively for much of the year, the nine-time All-Star is essential. Altuve is slashing .264/.327/.443 over 144 games this season with 25 home runs and 70 RBI, and entering Saturday's game, he led the Astros in games played, at-bats, hits and home runs.   

Houston manager Joe Espada spoke about the decision to pull Altuve vs. Atlanta:

“When he ran the base on that [fielder’s choice], he said, ‘My foot is bothering me.’ We took him out just to be cautious.” (h/t MLB.com).  

The Astros wrap up their series with the Atlanta Braves (65-83) today at 1:35 p.m. ET. Left-hander Framber Valdez (12-9, 3.42 ERA) is scheduled to start.