Devastating injury update for Star Player shakes Astros in front of the decisive Al series

Momentum can disappear in a heartbeat – and for the Houston Astros, a familiar setback threatens to rise, just like things click.

The second Baseman/Outfield Jose Altuve, who left the Matchup on Saturday against the Cincinnati Reds with the right knee tendon according to ESPN. The 35-year-old veteran did not appear in the series finale on Sunday.

While the team has not yet brought him to the injured list, its availability for the upcoming series against the Kansas City Royals remains uncertain.

Will Altuve be ready for the Astros series against Royals?

Manager Joe Espada said after the game on Sunday that optimism -Altuve could return on Monday or Tuesday, but the team will wait to see how he reacts in the next 24 to 48 hours. Although the injury is currently not considered serious, the thigh problems for older players – especially for older players – can linger if they are not treated carefully.

Altuve's absence, even if it is short, comes for Houston at a critical time. After an inconsistent start to the 2025 season, the Astros began to fight back in Al West. A productive homestand against Kansas City could be essential for the recovery of the soil, and the loss of its most constant leader and the veteran presence does not make this task easier.

Although his figures are below its typical standards in 2025 – the Altuve beats four home runs and an ops of 0.682 .259 – its effects goes far beyond the statistics sheet. The eight-time all-star remains the emotional engine of the clubhouse and has long been the most reliable after season performer in the team.

Astros' alternative options when Altuve cannot go

This latest setback also exerts pressure on the depth of the Astros. Players like Mauricio Dubón or Grae Kessinger can see extended roles if the Altuve misses the time, and the association could be forced to adapt both its defensive and the headline in its absence. While the organization has often benefited from internal options that are launched, there is no simple replacement for leadership, experience and situation awareness -Altuve, which provides on a nightly basis.

The Astros have made injuries in the past, but this hits closer to the core. Altuve has spent every 15 seasons of his MLB career in Houston and became one of the most popular athletes in the franchise story. His contributions extend far beyond boxing scores – he was the face of the team both through his championship high and through the reconstruction of lows.

At the moment, Houston will keep your breath and hope that the problem will turn out to be slightly. Espada found that Altuve had reacted well to the treatment, but no formal return date was confirmed. Since the Royals series emerges, the Astros will soon have to make a decision about its availability or find out how it should proceed if it is not available.

If the Al Playoff image takes shape, every game and every player also counts. Few are more important for the chances of Houston with the Altuve on the field – and not.

Astros fans are now waiting for answers because the team is preparing to open a decisive series against the Royals without knowing whether its heart and soul veteran will be available.

Derek hryn Derek Hryn is a writer at Heavy Sports and reports on the NFL, NBA, MLB and NCAA football and basketball. Previously, a fantasy football expert was at Draftkings and SB Nation and was presented at Fansided, USA Today, NBC Sports, The New York Post and others. More above Derek Hryn