The Astros appear to have avoided disaster Saturday at Tropicana Field.
MVP second baseman Jose Altuve was struck by a line drive off the bat of Yuli Gurriel during batting practice before Houston's game vs. the Rays, according to multiple reports.
Altuve has a close call in field during BP. Action pauses. Gives OK sign. Cole walks in front of him, protecting him as he walks off. Bodyguard.
— Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) March 30, 2019
Altuve had to retreat to the locker room after the incident, but he appeared to be OK as he came out for warmups before the first pitch.
The Astros seem to have avoided a catastrophe with Jose Altuve. Altuve was struck by a Yuli Gurriel line drive during batting practice and in noticeable pain. He retreated to the clubhouse but, now, is warming up normally with teammates.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) March 30, 2019
He started at second base and batted second. He walked in his first plate appearance.
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Altuve, 28, signed a five-year, $151 million contract extension in 2018 that will keep him in Houston through the 2024 season.