The Houston Astros have placed second baseman Jose Altuve on the 10-day injured list Wednesday with a left hamstring strain.
The team recalled infielder J.J. Matijevic in a corresponding move.
“We didn’t think he’d be ready to go in a week and it’s a 10-day IL and we’ll re-evaluate it from there,” Astros manager Dusty Baker said Wednesday.
Altuve left the Astros’ 8-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Monday with the injury. Altuve legged out an infield single with one out in the eighth and then fell to the ground past first base. He sat on the ground and threw his batting helmet into the ground as he winced in pain.
Baker said Altuve apologized for suffering the injury.
“He was disappointed and he apologized which you don’t have to, but that’s the kind of guy he is,” Baker said. “Sometimes you can’t help it. This guy’s been a rock. He’s played everyday for a number of years and hopefully he didn’t hurt it too badly and he’ll be all right hopefully within a couple of weeks.”
The seven-time All-Star and former American League MVP is hitting .167 with a home run and three RBIs in nine games this season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.