Jose Altuve Primed to Breakout in World Series for the Houston Astros

HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 27: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros participates in the World Series workout day at Minute Maid Park on October 27, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 27: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros participates in the World Series workout day at Minute Maid Park on October 27, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

The sleeping postseason giant known as Jose Altuve was awakened from his October slumber in the final two ALCS games against the Yankees.

The Houston Astros second baseman has a penchant for postseason moments, hitting five home runs in each of the last three postseasons. Two rounds into the 2022 postseason, he has yet to go deep. With Jose Altuve heating up, that all could easily change Friday in Game 1 of the 2022 World Series.

Altuve started the postseason going 0-for-23. In Game 3 of the ALCS versus the Yankees, Altuve doubled in the top of the 5th inning for his first hit of the postseason and his only hit of the game. Altuve continued that success in Game 4 of the ALCS, going 2-for-4 with two runs scored.

In the final game of the regular season for Jose Altuve, he went 3-for-3 with two doubles.

Over the years, Altuve has hit .306 at Citizens Bank park and at home in Houston. He has never hit a home run in Game 1 of a World Series but he has plenty in past ALDS and ALCS Game 1’s. Big moments seem to find him.

Not only does the moment find him, but he has 32 career leadoff home runs and just had a stellar season, hitting 28 home runs while batting .300. Look for Altuve to shine in big spots this series and once again be a leader in the clubhouse.

As the Astros embark upon their fourth World Series in six years, and the dream of their second (Dusty Baker’s first) world championship, the stage is set for a classic Altuve appearance. He has never struggled for this long in the postseason, so there is no doubt in this writer’s mind that the slump is over and the Philadelphia Phillies will be at his mercy. Let’s go ‘Stros!

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