Houston Astros are without Altuve/Correa for the first time ever

Before Saturday, the Houston Astros never had both of its current middle infielders on the disabled list. But with Jose Altuve’s first career stint on the shelf, the notorious milestone finally occurred this weekend.

Saturday’s matchup against the Texas Rangers resulted in two losses. The Houston Astros fell 7-3 against the in-state rivals, but they also lost All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve because of a knee injury.

Houston placed the face of the franchise on the disabled list for the first time in his career. He played 1,086 games without being placed on the shelf, highlighting how consistent and durable Altuve has been.

The Venezuelan is already one of the best infielders in franchise history. Altuve currently sits seventh on the all-time list in hits, first in batting average and fourth in steals.

What is impressive is he’s compiled these numbers across just seven-and-a-half pro seasons.

The Astros are in an interesting position at this point without two of their main stars in Altuve and Carlos Correa. They sit ahead of the Mariners by five games, and they are slated to qualify for the postseason once again.

Nevertheless, Houston will need to deal with this unknown adversity. Even with the two injuries, the Astros still boast a deep, capable squad.

Utility men Tony Kemp and Marwin Gonzalez will likely be the club’s middle infield duo. And while Gonzalez’s numbers declined considerably since last season, Kemp has provided a much-needed boost when he’s on the field.

While Altuve’s loss is major for the reigning World Series champions, it should not provoke a last-minute trade. If Houston makes a move prior to Tuesday’s trade deadline, it will likely be for another reliever.

Nor should Altuve’s absence result in a promotion for a middle infielder. The Astros might see Jake Marisnick again as the club’s fourth outfielder.

But no matter what transactions occur, Houston still looks primed for success because of its strong pitching staff. 

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Update on Correa?

The All-Star shortstop has been off the field since late June, now missing more than 25 games. And after suffering a recent setback, he won’t return until August.

Of course, Correa will need rehab games prior to joining the squad. Even then, it will take him a few games – perhaps weeks – before he finds his groove again.

Houston is 15-11 without its young shortstop so far. But both Gonzalez and Alex Bregman, who have covered the position in Correa’s absence, have been less productive.

Prior to his injury, Correa owed a .268 average with 13 homers and 49 RBIs. Though he likely wouldn’t have made the All-Star team, those numbers are much better than Gonzalez’s .560 OPS while at shortstop.

Nevertheless, Gonzalez will continue to see time at short due to his versatility.

Correa’s career has been short, but he has already suffered two injuries that resulted in an extensive amount of missed time. Last year it was his thumb, and this year it’s his back.

However, the 23-year-old is still young enough to maintain his durability across future years. And Houston hasn’t fallen in the standings because of his loss.

The Houston Astros are already an intimidating squad. Once healthy, they should be prepped for another deep playoff run.

Of course, the injured guys have to return before October arrives for that to happen.