8:34 pm CDT, Friday, March 15, 2019
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Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve warms up before the start of an exhibition spring training baseball game against the New York Mets Saturday, March 2, 2019, in Port St. Lucie, Fla. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve warms up before the start of an exhibition spring training baseball game against the New York Mets Saturday, March 2, 2019, in Port St. Lucie, Fla. (AP Photo/Jeff
Photo: Jeff Roberson/Associated Press
Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve warms up before the start of an exhibition spring training baseball game against the New York Mets Saturday, March 2, 2019, in Port St. Lucie, Fla. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve warms up before the start of an exhibition spring training baseball game against the New York Mets Saturday, March 2, 2019, in Port St. Lucie, Fla. (AP Photo/Jeff
Photo: Jeff Roberson/Associated Press
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Sidelined for nine days because of what the Houston Astros called “left side soreness,” José Altuve started at second base and batted second Friday night against the St. Louis Cardinals in West Palm Beach.
He walked and lined a single off the leg of pitcher Daniel Ponce de León in his first two at-bats.
In six spring games, Altuve has three hits in 14 at-bats.
In early March, Altuve had been “scared” to swing a bat and exacerbate his injury.
He tested his leg on his swings and his misses Friday.
“It feels really good,” he said.
He finished his night with a groundout in the fifth inning, which is how long manager A.J. Hinch had planned for Altuve to play.
“You don’t have to run a marathon to be able to run a marathon,” Hinch said before the game.
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Hinch is most interested in Altuve getting more reps on turning double plays.
“His turns at second base, he’s really good, and we’re trying to make him better. A small goal for him will be to handle the ball over the base the rest of camp. Those plays are huge for us.”
Altuve’s turns can maximize the acrobatic plays third baseman Alex Bregman and shortstop Carlos Correa make.
“To complete the play with a double play is a small point of emphasis,” Hinch said.
Hinch also said of his expectations Friday: “Get a hit or two. He’s happier when he hits.”
Altuve underwent right knee surgery in October. He spent 21 days on the disabled list last season. It was his first stint on the disabled list in his eight-year major league career.
Hinch said Altuve is scheduled to play his next game Sunday against the Atlanta Braves in Kissimmee.
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