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Astros Make Injury Announcement Before Athletics Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 9:10 PM ET

Maybe Major League Baseball knew what they were doing when they listed Houston Astros left fielder Jose Altuve as a second baseman on the All-Star Game ballot.

As of Wednesday evening, Altuve may be in line for more reps at second. The Astros placed starting second baseman Brendan Rodgers on the injured list with a left oblique strain.

Houston recalled infielder Shay Whitcomb from Triple-A Sugar Land ahead of Wednesday's clash with the Athletics. Whitcomb went hitless in his first seven at-bats.

It is unclear when Rodgers will return to the active roster. Although he's eligible to rejoin the Astros next week, oblique and muscle injuries often require slightly longer recovery periods.

Astros manager Joe Espada kept Altuve in left field on Wednesday night. The Astros instead started Mauricio Dubón at second base.

Rodgers hit .191 with two homers, 11 RBI, and a mediocre .544 OPS in his first 43 games. He's on track for his lowest on-base and slugging percentages since becoming a full-time player in 2021.

As for Altuve, he's only posted a .744 OPS and -0.3 bWAR in 297 plate appearances. The nine-time All-Star nonetheless remains a mainstay in the Astros' lineup, and his 11 homers rank second among Astros hitters.

Houston entered Wednesday at 42-31 and five games ahead in the AL West.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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