MLB news: Braves pitching analysis, Cardinals WBC promise, Jose Altuve injury timeline

Houston Astros news: When will Jose Altuve return from injury?

When the All-Star second baseman was hit by a pitch during the World Baseball Classic, the start of the season changed quickly for the Astros. While initial reports said that a broken thumb suffered when Altuve was plunked by Colorado Rockies closer Daniel Bard during the United States-Venezuela quarterfinal matchup would keep him out of the lineup for eight to 10 weeks, there is a little more solid timeline after Altuve underwent surgery for the injury.

With that timeline, it could be right before Memorial Day when Altuve is even allowed to start back in the batting cage and working on fielding, etc. That means that the 32-year-old will likely need some additional time to get his timing back at the plate, meaning a minor league assignment will likely be in his future before he returns to the Houston lineup.

So when could Altuve be back with the Astros? It could well be early June before a return, meaning the Astros might want to think about which option is the best to replace him in the short-term.