Japan Loses Star Baseball Player Jose Altuve in World Baseball Classic Incident
Houston's defending World Series champions, the Astros, won't start the season with their second baseman, Jose Altuve, on the roster following a finger injury he sustained during the World Baseball Classic.
While playing for his home country Venezuela, Altuve fractured his right thumb during a game against the USA in the quarterfinals. The incident occurred in the fifth inning when he was hit by a pitch thrown at him by Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Daniel Bard. Altuve was immediately removed from the game, and knew the severity of his injury. The USA wound up winning the game 9-7, ending Venezuela's World Baseball Classic run.
The USA later advanced to the final round, where they'll face Japan.
Altuve wasn't the only star baseball player to get hurt in the competition. Relief pitcher Edwin Diaz from the New York Mets, who competed for Puerto Rico, ended up with a season-ending knee injury during the quarterfinals' post-game celebration after an emotional win. Diaz tore his patellar tendon in his right knee in the jubilation.
Altuve's Operations, Career Uncertainty
Altuve is a regular MLB All-Star and a crucial member of the Astros' two World Series championship teams. He also took home the American League MVP in 2017, won a Gold Glove in 2015, and has been a six-time Silver Slugger Award recipient. He's renowned for his speed, leading the American League in stolen bases twice.
The Astros have depended on Altuve's durability throughout his career. He logged 137 or more games in nine seasons, including playing in 150 games in five years running between 2013 and 2017.
"It's not what you want to happen," Altuve said. "I'm going to do my best to recover quickly and get back with the team."
"It's a big blow," said Astros GM Dana Brown.
Altuve's 2022 season numbers were: a .300 batting average with a .387 on-base percentage, a .533 slugging percentage, 28 home runs, and 57 RBIs in 141 games. However, he didn't fare well in the playoffs, posting a .190 average, zero home runs in seven appearances. His previous year's performance was unexpected, considering he'd previously hit five home runs in each of the previous three postseasons.
There's no clear timeline for Altuve's return after surgery, but estimates suggest he could be out for at least eight weeks.
Astros' World Series Bid
The Astros have their sights set on back-to-back World Series titles, a challenging feat. The New York Yankees last achieved the feat by winning three straight in 1998, '99, and 2000.
The Astros' world title odds are +600. They are the favorites, despite Altuve's injury. The Yankees and Atlanta Braves are their closest rivals with +750 odds to win the 2023 World Series. They're followed by the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are priced at +850, the San Diego Padres at +950, and the New York Mets at +950.
The Astros' chances of earning a third-consecutive American League pennant are +310. They slightly surpass the Yankees, who have +360 odds. The Astros have won the pennant four times in the last six seasons.
The Astros have a win total of 95.5 for the season, the same as the Dodgers according to DraftKings. They've won a division-leading 106 games in the past season.
Altuve's AL MVP odds plummeted to +5000 due to his thumb injury.
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