Astros second baseman Jose Altuve was hit by a pitch at the WBC and now it sounds like the worst-case scenario on his injury status is coming true.
The World Baseball Classic has been a fun showcase for baseball players from around the world, but it comes with some inherent risk. Every player who takes the field is risking an injury, especially MLB stars who have the season coming up.
Edwin Diaz of the Mets already lost his 2023 season because of a freak knee injury he suffered while celebrating a win with Puerto Rico.
The lastest player in the WBC injury crosshairs? Jose Altuve.
Altuve was violently hit by a pitch while playing for Venezuela against the USA. He immediately grabbed his arm in pain and had to leave the game. Unforutnately, it looks like he suffered more than just a bruise.
Jose Altuve injury update: Astros fear a broken thumb
“Initial concern with Jose Altuve is that he has a broken right thumb,” Ken Rosenthal reported on Twitter. “Not confirmed at this point. Astros will provide more information tomorrow.”
That’s literally the last thing anyone wanted to hear for Altuve.
UPDATE: Venezuelan officials have confirmed that Altuve suffered a broken thumb, per Bob Nightengale, though the Astros have yet to confirm that diagnosis themselves.
What does it mean for the Astros?
Without specifics on the exact extent of the injury, it’s hard to say. However, Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper broke his thumb on a HBP during the summer of last year and missed exactly two months. He was limited to 99 games in the 2022 season.
We’ll have to find out more about Altuve’s timetable for return once the Astros officially announce his injury status.
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