Matthews to fill in for Altuve
May 18 2026
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Houston Astros
NEWS: Houston placed 2B Jose Altuve on the 15-day IL with a left oblique strain.
IMPACT: High
BHQ SPIN: The strain is a Grade 2, so there is a wide range of outcomes for return-to-play timeline, but we’ll figure on at least a month. Brice Matthews is the likeliest player to fill in most games at 2B, with Shay Whitcomb and Braden Shewmake also getting some opportunities. This probably gives outfielder Zach Cole a few more AB, although the impending return over the next couple weeks of SS Jeremy Peña (as early as Monday), OFs Jake Meyer and Joey Loperfido will be welcomed by the club. We’ve reduced Altuve’s projected AB; shifted some of Matthews’ from OF to 2B, and sprinkled in some more for Shewmake...
Almost!
You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!
Already a subscriber? Sign in here
More From PT Today
Minnesota calls their top prospect to the big club; Matt Shaw returns from the IL; several injuries that are either certainly or possibly season-enders.
Aug 29 2026 8:05am
Aug 29 2026 8:05am
Roki Sasaki gets an IL break as Shohei Ohtani prepares to resume pitching. Plus, the Pirates lose Endy Rodriguez for the rest of the season; KC loses Michael Massey to a concussion; Michael Lorenzen relocates to Toronto...
Aug 28 2026 8:11am
Aug 28 2026 8:11am
Tyler O'Neill heads to the IL, which could open up some more time for Dylan Beavers, as well as Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Coby Mayo. Plus fringe moves in Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego.
Aug 27 2026 8:33am
Aug 27 2026 8:33am
With Pete Fairbanks heading to the IL, Calvin Faucher should get save opportunities. Plus PT ripples regarding Masyn Winn, Shane Beiber, Sal Frelick, and more.
Aug 26 2026 8:35am
Aug 26 2026 8:35am
Braves option Jim Jarvis and hand SS gig to Mauricio Dubón; a flood of roster moves in San Francisco; Colt Emerson's season is over; and more....
Aug 25 2026 7:05am
Aug 25 2026 7:05am
