Houston Astros’ Jose Altuve exits Planet Baseball Classic game

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla — Astros second baseman Jose Altuve exited Group Venezuela’s Planet Baseball Classic game against the United States on Saturday soon after he was hit by a pitch.

Batting in the bottom of the fifth inning and facing a 1-two count, Altuve appeared to get hit on the suitable hand or wrist by a 96 mph fastball from Colorado Rockies reliever Daniel Bard.

Altuve stayed face down on the dirt for a couple of seconds just before exiting the game with a trainer. Manager Omar López — who doubles as Houston’s very first-base coach — walked out to verify on his star second baseman.

Jose Altuve leaves the game soon after getting hit in the hand by a pitch. pic.twitter.com/Dzd9phTnnK

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 19, 2023

Altuve went into Group Venezuela’s clubhouse without the need of moving his suitable arm.

The Astros had no quick update on Altuve’s situation following a two- Grapefruit League loss against the New York Mets late Saturday evening. Common manager Dana Brown stated Altuve “is getting evaluated for an injury to his suitable hand” and the group would offer an update Sunday.

The sight is an absolute worst-case situation for the Astros, who had 11 players on their 40-man roster participating in the Planet Baseball Classic. 4 have been involved in Saturday’s game: Altuve, starter Luis Garcia, outfielder Kyle Tucker and closer Ryan Pressly.

Altuve’s apparent injury only furthered discourse about Planet Baseball Classic participation by star players. Mets closer Edwin Díaz suffered a season-ending knee injury even though celebrating Group Puerto Rico’s victory against the Dominican Republic earlier this week.

In the wake of Díaz’s injury, each Hector Neris and Jeremy Peña stated the scenario would not discourage them from playing in future tournaments. They have been amongst 5 Astros who played for Group Dominican Republic.

“It is unfortunate that that occurred to Díaz or any player, but it is aspect of our game,” Peña stated. “Just about every time we step onto the field, we place ourselves at danger to injury. A lot of persons are saying (the WBC’s) meaningless, but to us, it is an honor to represent our nation. It signifies a lot to us. If I can represent my nation once again, I’ll do it in a heartbeat.”