Jose Altuve looked like his old self against the Yankees Thursday. (Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports)
HOUSTON — Jose Altuve looked the part of an offensive catalyst Thursday for the first time in a while.
After missing four consecutive games due to right hamstring discomfort, the Houston Astros second baseman started all three games of the road series against the Los Angeles Angels earlier this week but went just 3-for-13.
His performance Thursday against the New York Yankees included all that the Astros expect from their All-Star, with Altuve recording two doubles and two stolen bases while scoring three runs in a 4-0 victory.
“He’s playing with a bounce in his step again,” Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. “We missed him when he was out. I think he missed playing while he was out. That kind of boost is certainly going to be nice in the middle of our order. He’s a lot of the energy.
“(Outfielder) George (Springer) provides a lot of energy. (Rookie shortstop) Carlos (Correa) has created a buzz here. We got production out of the bottom of the order as well tonight. We have a complete lineup, but it feels incomplete when Jose’s not in there, and we felt that a few weeks ago. And tonight we felt the positive side of that energy.”
Altuve initially sustained the injury June 12 and labored for a couple games before being forced to the bench. His lack of burst on the basepaths was the most glaring omission from his game, but his speed was in full bloom against the Yankees. Suddenly, the Astros were whole.
“Tons,” Astros designated hitter Evan Gattis said when asked to describe how much the club missed Altuve. “He’s a big part of this team, no doubt.”
