Jose Altuve out with oblique strain

For the first time in 2014, Jose Altuve is not in the Houston Astros starting lineup. A strained left oblique has Altuve on the bench for tonight’s home game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Altuve told Brian McTaggart he could play tonight if needed.

"I don’t think it’s something to take a day off, but if they want to keep me on the bench, I’m going to be ready to come in the game whenever they want."

That sounds similar to what we’ve been hearing from George Springer for the last couple of days. These guys just want to play… no matter what. And you’ve got to like that.

But, at the same time, it is much wiser to exercise caution when it comes to these types of injuries — and I applaud Bo Porter for doing so.

The good news: Springer, who has been dealing with a sore knee, is back in the lineup tonight and in his familiar #2 spot. Dexter Fowler, one of the hottest hitters on the planet, will be leading off. Jon Singleton bats third. Here’s the rest of the Astros lineup that will go up against Brandon McCarthy and the D-Backs.