Watch: Jose Altuve explains why he’s skipping the All-Star Game (Video)

Houston Astros standout infielder Jose Altuve has come out and announced he won’t be playing in this year’s All-Star Game. 

In a bit of a stunner, Houston Astros stud Jose Altuve has surprised fans by announcing that he won’t be playing in the All-Star Game this year. Yup, the second baseman will be skipping the game, as will Carlos Correa.

For Altuve, this wasn’t an easy decision, especially after so many of his supporters were waiting for him to put on a show. At the end of the day, however, Altuve made it clear that he’s putting his team first with this decision.

Jose Altuve has decided that he won’t be playing in the All-Star Game this summer

“I really want to thank everybody that voted for me, that believes in me,” Altuve said. “I really need these four days. I’m putting my team first because I really think we have a chance to win this year.”

While it’s a bummer for people in Houston that Altuve is bailing on the game, you’ve got to respect his reasoning here. Houston is in the middle of another amazing year, and they’ve got dreams of winning another World Series.

As of this writing, the club is in first place of the AL West standings with its 54-33 record. They’re 5.5 games ahead of the Oakland Athletics and nine games in front of the Seattle Mariners. Altuve wants to rest up over the break and make sure he’s mentally and physically ready to help the team stay hot in the second half.

With the way Houston is playing, the club really does look like a threat to go on a deep postseason run. For Altuve, that’s more important than trying to create fun memories at the All-Star Game this season.