When Jose Altuve was hit by a pitch in his left hand, Houston Astros followers all over the world held their breath. Fortuitously, it doesn't appear too large of a problem, regardless of having a horrible swollen and bruised hand throughout their final three video games.
Sadly, Altuve determined to opt out of the All-Star Game. It's the suitable factor to do from his perspective, nevertheless it's at all times robust to see a participant earn one thing and never be capable of obtain the advantages of it due to an harm.
The Astros are taking part in significantly better baseball over the previous month, at the moment simply 2.0 video games out within the American League West after a 7-3 stretch of their final 10 video games. What was as soon as trying to be a misplaced season is now maybe one other yr the place Houston has an opportunity to win the World Sequence.
And Altuve understands that.
He spoke about why he determined to take a seat out of the All-Star Recreation, and his staff first response may have followers fired up with the second half approaching.
“Clearly, we’ve got an important second half of the season and I wish to be wholesome,” Altuve mentioned Thursday, in response to Chandler Rome of The Athletic. “I’m proud and grateful for all of the Houston Astros followers that voted not just for me however for additionally all people on this staff to make this potential. This can be a big, large deal for us. Sadly, I received hit within the hand and am taking part in by means of some stuff, so I actually wish to take lately and be prepared for the second half.
“I received hit by 96 proper within the hand and it’s nonetheless swollen and bruised. We’re attempting to win some video games and end the primary half sturdy, in order that’s why I’m on the market taking part in. However I believe these 4 days shall be good to return to regular and heal and are available again within the second half.”
Any such remark is the precise motive why the Astros have discovered the success they’ve over the previous decade. Altuve, the chief in all of it, understands simply how a lot his staff and fan base will want him within the second half.
His mindset units the tone, and the nine-time All-Star actually understands what's vital: attempting to win a World Sequence.
The 24-year-old has been pretty much as good as ever, slashing .306/.356/.458 with 13 residence runs and 18 doubles. With a wholesome hand anticipated after the All-Star break, Atuve is poised to place collectively one other sturdy second half as Houston tries to solidify a spot within the postseason.
JON CONAHAN
Jon Conahan has been overlaying all main sports activities since 2019. He’s a 2022 graduate of the Bellisario College of Journalism at Penn State College and beforehand performed D1 baseball.
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