Astros: Jose Altuve returns in emphatic fashion

The Houston Astros had been without Jose Altuve since April 14, when the All-Star second baseman among four other Astros hit the COVID-19 injured list. The right-hander was the only one of the five to test positive for the virus, but his return to the lineup sent Abraham Toro back to the alternate training site.

Altuve hit the ground running after missing 10 games, and while back in the leadoff spot, the right-hander slashed three hits in five at bats with a stolen base, two RBIs and a run. While other players battled side effects from the virus and vaccine, Altuve continued his tear, after a regressed 2020 full of personal issues and injury.

With Jose Altuve back in the lineup, the Astros continue to win.

As the Houston bats totaled five runs over their 14 hits, they pick up their fourth win in the past five games. Yuli Gurriel and Yordan Alvarez continue their dominance in the middle of the lineup with a combined six hits; Gurriel now has six straight games with an RBI.

The Astros offense continues their tear at home, as Altuve had exit velocities of 108 MPH and 108.6 MPH hits in his first game back. The second baseman continues his silence of the haters, but as some opposing fans continue their disregard of statistics and the truth, the right-hander looks to get back on track to his Hall of Fame career.

Power doesn’t always matter, although Altuve has a load of pop behind his swing. The right-hander now sits with a slash line of .347/.400/.469 and is continuing to get on base. While taking over for George Springer in the leadoff spot, Altuve could benefit well in three-hole with runners in front of him.

The ending to Monday’s game pushed Dusty Baker into the 13th spot in wins for major league managers all-time. The Astros have now beaten the Mariners 27 times in 33 games dating back to the start of the 2019 season. They are back on the field tomorrow against the Mariners at 7:10 p.m. with Cristian Javier matching up against Marco Gonzales. While standing at .500 (11-11), it is evident that this team is turning it around.

As Jake Odorizzi will most likely miss two starts after hitting the IL, his replacement in the rotation hasn’t been announced, but his roster spot has been, as Peter Solomon makes his way back to the roster.