Astros have outstanding injury update on absent star

The Houston Astros got a great injury update regarding one of their key players. Could a return happen sooner than expected?

The Houston Astros have not gotten off to the best of starts to their 2023 season. They were dealt a big blow to their batting order, as Jose Altuve suffered a broken right thumb after getting hit by a pitch while competing for Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic in March. The injury required surgery, and he was expected to miss the first two months of the season.

But, could Altuve be making his debut much sooner than anticipated?

Astros general manager Dana Brown told The Athletic’s Jim Bowden that Altuve is “ahead of schedule” and has “great movement and flexible in the thumb.” Brown says that Altuve will get an x-ray in 12 days to see how the thumb is progressing.

Astros: Jose Altuve ‘ahead of schedule’ in recovery from broken thumb

This is certainly good news, but it’s best to wait to see what the upcoming x-rays say. It’s possible then fans will receive an updated timeline for a return.

Altuve’s injury happened in Venezuela’s quarterfinal matchup against the United States, when he was struck by a pitch thrown by Daniel Bard, who was having an off-game. The Astros fanbase’s worst nightmare became a reality, as he was diagnosed with a broken right thumb. With that, Altuve missed Opening Day for the first time in his career.

With Altuve sidelined, Houston turned to Mauricio Dubon to be their starting second baseman. In 18 starts so far this season, Dubon recorded a .329 batting average, a .350 on-base percentage, a .382 slugging percentage, four RBI, 16 runs scored and 25 hits. At second, Dubon owns a fielding percentage of .971, recording a 18 putouts, 48 assists and two errors in 68 total chances.

Altuve is said to be ahead of schedule. Now, we wait to see if there is an updated, earlier timeline for a return.