Jose Altuve Injured, Latest Updates on Astros Star's Status After Exiting vs. Rangers

Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve left his team's 4-1 home win against the Texas Rangers on Saturday after appearing to injure his left side.

While batting in the eighth inning, Altuve reached out and chopped a ground ball to Rangers third baseman Josh Jung. Altuve took a few steps toward first but then slowed down and began walking toward the dugout while holding his left side. Manager Joe Espada and a trainer met him at the dugout steps. Altuve went back to the clubhouse, and Nick Allen replaced him in the lineup.

Altuve told reporters postgame (h/t Brian McTaggart of MLB.com) that he was scheduled for an MRI and would speak with reporters when he knew more information. Manager Joe Espada told reporters (h/t Chandler Rome of The Athletic) postgame that Altuve felt something in his left side on the swing.

"It's not good he couldn't even get out of the box and run," Espada said.

The 36-year-old Altuve is a nine-time All-Star, two-time World Series champion and 2017 American League MVP. He has played all 16 of his MLB seasons with Houston.

This year, Altuve is hitting .245 (.706 OPS) with four home runs and 12 RBI. His fourth home run occurred Saturday, when he hit a solo shot in the first inning off Rangers starter Jacob deGrom.

The Astros are struggling through a 19-28 season that's featured the team allowing the most runs (255) in the American League. Although their offense has been above par (their 212 runs rank third-best in the AL), losing Altuve would be a tough blow for a team that really can't afford to lose more talent.