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Jose Altuve Expected to Take Live Batting Practice Soon
Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (oblique) is expected to take live batting practice in the next day or two, manager Joe Espada told Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. Once Altuve begins facing live pitching, he could return from the 10-day injured list rather quickly, as the 36-year-old Venezuelan veteran isn't expected to require a minor-league rehab assignment before rejoining the team. The former MVP and nine-time All-Star has been sidelined for three weeks with an oblique strain, but when he's cleared to return, he will be back as Houston's primary second baseman. The three-time batting champion has shown signs of decline so far in 2026 before his injury, slashing a very modest .245/.326/.380 with a .706 OPS, only four home runs, 12 RBI, 27 runs scored, and one stolen base across 163 at-bats for the 'Stros. Even so, Altuve deserves to be rostered in nearly all fantasy leagues. He's available in just 15% of Yahoo leagues despite missing nearly a month at this point with his oblique ailment. UPDATE: Altuve is scheduled to take live BP on Wednesday, per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com.
Source: Houston Chronicle - Matt Kawahara
Source: Houston Chronicle - Matt Kawahara
