Jose Altuve leaves game after being hit by pitch

The Houston Astros, though still firmly out of the playoff picture, have been one of the more encouraging stories in all of Major League Baseball this season. Unfortunately, their run of good will is seemingly in some jeopardy as arguably their best player, second baseman Jose Altuve, was forced to leave Thursday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks after being struck by a pitch.

As noted by Houston’s official Twitter account, no official update has been released on Altuve’s condition, but the diminutive second baseman was hit on the hand and/or wrist while attempting to bunt during a 7th-inning plate appearance. The 24-year-old Altuve was immediately escorted off the field in what appeared to be a great deal of pain, and that certainly leaves any fan of the Astros wondering about his prognosis.

Jose Altuve has been incredibly effective this season, posting a ;319/.361/.429 slash line with 24 stolen bases, and he is considered to be one of the rising stars in the American League. There is certainly a cap to his “upside” due to a lack of power, but when coupled with young guns like George Springer and Jon Singleton along with several high-end prospects, the future is bright in Houston.

Hopefully, Altuve will escape any long-term damage to his throwing hand and/or wrist after this incident, and a diagnosis should be released shortly.