The Houston Astros will place star second baseman Jose Altuve on the injured list after he suffered a Grade 2 left oblique strain, manager Joe Espada confirmed Sunday.
Altuve underwent an MRI after appearing to injure himself during an awkward swing in Saturday’s win over the Texas Rangers. He did not play Sunday.
Espada did not provide a timetable for Altuve’s return but said younger players will get more opportunities during his absence.
Rookie Brice Matthews started at second base Sunday, while Braden Shewmake could also see increased playing time.
The Astros entered Sunday with 14 players already on the injured list. Altuve, a nine-time All-Star, is batting .245 with 12 RBIs this season as Houston struggles at 19-29.
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