Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve has rejoined the team after missing three weeks with a strained left oblique. He returned to the lineup on Friday night against the Oakland Athletics, batting fifth. Altuve had live batting practice sessions earlier in the week to test his readiness.
Altuve first felt sharp pain in his left oblique on May 16 while swinging during a game against the Texas Rangers. He hit a leadoff home run that day before leaving the contest and was placed on the 10-day injured list two days later. The veteran opted against a minor league rehab assignment. Instead he took live batting practice at Daikin Park on Wednesday and Thursday. He reported no issues and said the sessions gave him confidence in his swing. Astros manager Joe Espada welcomed the return, noting that Altuve lengthens the lineup and brings leadership. Zach Dezenzo was optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land to clear roster space. Altuve had been slashing .245/.326/.380 with four homers and 12 RBIs in 42 games before the injury.