Astros star Jose Altuve was injured during Venezuela's WBC game against the United States. It's feared he has a broken thumb. Mar 14, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Venezuela second baseman Jose Altuve (27) returns to the dugout after the fourth inning against Nicaragua at LoanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Astros superstar José Altuve was injured on Saturday when he was hit by a pitch in the fifth inning of Venezuela’s World Baseball Classic Game against the United States.

American pitcher Daniel Bard, who struggled with his control throughout his outing, hit Altuve on the hands with a pitch. Altuve quickly left the game, holding his right hand in front of his body, moving it as little as possible.

While the extent of the injury is not completely known, Ken Rosenthal of Fox shared that “initial concern with José Altuve is that he has a broken thumb.”

Baseball fans were concerned about Altuve’s injury at the time it happened. That continued following Rosenthal’s report.

Indeed, Altuve joins Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman and New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz on the list of star players hurt during the World Baseball Classic.

Assuming this actually is Altuve’s injury, the next question becomes, how much time will he miss? There are different degrees of broken thumbs so it could vary. But if his injury is similar to the one that Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper suffered in 2022, Altuve will likely be out until around Memorial Day.

Altuve’s hit by pitch was part of a four-run rally, which gave Venezuela — who had been trailing 5-2 coming into the inning — a 6-5 lead. But the Americans rallied back, with Trea Turner slugging a grand slam in the fifth inning, giving the USA a 9-7 lead, which stood as the final.

[Ken Rosenthal]

About Michael Dixon

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