The Houston Astros have bobbled the start of the 2026 season, sitting in last place of the American League West division more than halfway through the first month of the season. They have struggled tremendously on the road, winning just one contest of the ten played away from Daikin Field.
Fresh off a win against the Colorado Rockies in their return home after an eight-game losing streak, Astros manager Joe Espada made a change to the lineup.
Advertisement
Espada is resting designated hitterJose Altuve for Wednesday’s contest against the Rockies. Altuve had started the first 18 games of the season and is getting a much needed reprieve (h/t Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle).
In 66 at-bats this season Altuve is hitting a .288 average alongside 19 hits, 6 RBIs and 2 home runs. The two-time World Series champion has historically been one of Houston‘s best hitters, posting a career .303 batting average across his 16 seasons with the team.
Advertisement
Yordan Álvarez will start in Altuve’s place against the Rockies, looking to keep building on his impressive start to the season. In 60 at-bats this season, the 2022 ALCS Most Valuable Player has posted a .317 batting average with 19 hits, 16 RBIs and 6 home runs.
At second base, depth remains slim as Altuve is joined by utility Isaac Paredes as the only two players who frequent the position. Paredes joined the Astros last season and is batting .234 with 11 hits and 6 RBIs this season.
Houston Astros left fielder Jose AltuveTroy Taormina-Imagn Images
The reeling Astros are also continuing to fall prey to the injury bug, having placed shortstop Jeremy Peña and pitchers Hunter Brown, Christian Javier and blockbuster winter signing Tatsuya Imai on the injured list this past Monday. With their positions continuing to be impacted, Espada’s resting of Altuve serves as a precautionary measure as to not wear out the 35-year-old.
Advertisement
The Astros have been defensive of Daikin Park to this point, only dropping two of their eight games at home. They will play five more before returning to the road for a short series against the Baltimore Orioles next week.
Altuve is entering the second year of a five-year $125 million contract that he signed in February of last year. The 2017 American League MVP is already showing that he can still compete at that form and raise the team to a championship level this year.
Related: Astros Place All-Star On IL With Concerning Injury
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
