The Houston Astros have placed their superstar second baseman Jose Altuve on the 10-day injured list with a strained hamstring.
The Astros, who are 10/1 to win the World Series, had to remove Altuve from Monday's game with the Los Angeles Angels with a strained left hamstring, although this is not expected to be a long-term injury.
Matijevic handed call-up
Houston recalled infielder J.J. Matijevic in a corresponding move - he is a left-handed hitter who was hitting .310 with four home runs with Sugar Land.
Altuve strained his left hamstring while running out a grounder in the eighth inning of the game with the Angels.
He was immediately removed from the game and underwent further testing, including an MRI on Tuesday. He is eligible to come off the list on 29th April against Toronto Blue Jays.
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Altuve missed five weeks during the 2019 season with a strained left hamstring and Niko Goodrum went to second base in Wednesday's finale against the Halos and will probably get a large chunk of time there.
Utility player Aledmys Diaz has also started a game at second base this season and could get a few starts.
Baker explains Altuve prognosis
Speaking to MLB.com, Astros team manager Dusty Baker said: "We didn't think he would be ready to go in a week.
"It's a 10-day IL and we'll reevaluate him from there. He was disappointed. He's apologised, which you don't have to, but that's the kind of guy he is. Sometimes you can't help it.
"This guy has been a rock. He's played every day for a number of years and hopefully he didn't hurt it too badly. He'll be alright, hopefully, within a couple of weeks."
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