Astros' Jose Altuve Provides Injury Update Before Cubs Game
Jose Altuve says the oblique strain he suffered last week isn't as severe as the one that sidelined him for part of 2023. He will head to the team's facility in West Palm Beach tomorrow to continue his rehabilitation from the injury, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com.
The 36-year-old suffered a Grade 2 left oblique strain on an awkward swing last Saturday in a game against the Texas Rangers. Concerns were raised about a possible extended absence, but he has eased fears regarding the severity of the injury. He is currently with the Astros during their series against the Cubs at Wrigley Field while still receiving treatment and has not resumed baseball activities.
He has not yet been given a return timeline but is expected to miss several weeks. Altuve previously dealt with a similar injury in 2023, when he was sidelined for three weeks due to left oblique discomfort. The injury comes at a time when the Astros are managing multiple absences across the roster. Outfielder Jake Meyers also missed time earlier this season with a similar issue.
Jose Altuve, on the IL with an oblique strain, said he is feeling good. He will head to West Palm Beach tomorrow to continue his rehab.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) May 23, 2026
Altuve, in his 16th season with Houston, is batting .302 with 2,428 hits, 259 home runs, 901 RBI, 1,263 runs and 326 stolen bases in 2,018 career games. The 2017 American League MVP played in 42 games prior to the oblique injury and posted a .245/.326/.380 slash line with a 100 OPS+, becoming the sixth member of the Opening Day lineup to wind up on the IL at some point this year. He hit his fourth home run in the same game he exited early.
The veteran slugger is the longest-tenured player on the Astros roster, having been with the franchise since its National League days and helping the team win World Series titles in 2017 and 2022. He is now one of 13 players on the injured list, which also includes catcher Yainer Díaz, closer Josh Hader, and starters Hunter Brown, Cristian Javier, and Lance McCullers Jr., as well as third basemanCarlos Correa, who has been ruled out for the season following ankle surgery.
Astros have started the 2026 season with a 21-31 record in 52 games and have gone 5-5 over their last ten games. They missed the MLB playoffs last season for the first time since 2016.
Altuve's return timeline remains unclear, and the Astros will continue to monitor his recovery over the coming weeks. The team is already dealing with multiple injuries as they try to stabilize their season heading into the series against the Cubs.
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This story was originally published May 23, 2026 at 3:48 PM.