Astros Place Jose Altuve on 10-Day IL With Left Oblique Strain

The Houston Astros have placed star second baseman Jose Altuve on the 10-day injured list with a Grade 2 left oblique strain, a significant blow to a team already navigating multiple key absences. Manager Joe Espada announced the move Sunday following the team's loss to the Texas Rangers.

Altuve suffered the injury during his eighth-inning at-bat in Saturday's game against the Rangers. After grimacing while connecting on a grounder to third base, he did not run out the play and walked back to the dugout in pain. He underwent an MRI exam Sunday morning, which confirmed the strain. The move was made retroactive to May 17.

Espada did not provide a specific timeline for Altuve's return, acknowledging the news was not what the team wanted to hear. He stated that the team would have to fight through the injury and that young players would continue to get opportunities.

The 36-year-old Altuve, a nine-time All-Star, is batting .245 with four home runs and 12 RBIs in 42 games this season. His absence removes a veteran bat and a source of lineup stability from a team that has struggled with continuity. The Astros are already without third baseman Carlos Correa, who is out for the season...