<\/p>\n
Houston Astros Jose Altuve reacts after hitting a solo home run during the third inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n
Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<\/p>\n
Houston Astros Jose Altuve, right, gets a high-five from Taylor Trammell after hitting a solo home run during the third inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n
Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<\/p>\n
Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) reacts after hitting a single during the first inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n
Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<\/p>\n
Houston Astros Jose Altuve (27) hits a single during the first inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n
Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<\/p>\n
A possible sign of progress for Jose Altuve<\/a> arrived early in an extra-innings loss<\/a>. Turning on a cutter from Jameson Taillon in his second at-bat Wednesday produced a 401-foot drive to the train tracks at Daikin Park.<\/p>\n With the swing, Altuve recorded his fourth straight multi-hit game, his first such stretch this year. It was also Altuve\u2019s first extra-base hit since July 19, a dichotomy to illustrate the nature of a difficult season.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going to home plate right now to improve, obviously, and find something that I can get through the rest of the season and hopefully for the playoffs,\u201d Altuve said Wednesday afternoon. \u201cBut I\u2019m still in that process. I haven\u2019t really said, \u2018OK, I\u2019m here.\u2019 But I feel like I\u2019m moving forward.\u201d<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The search has spanned months for the\u00a0Houston Astros<\/a>\u2019 second baseman and franchise face. Altuve, 36, has a .703 OPS that sits more than 100 points below his career mark across 16 major-league seasons. He entered Wednesday with a 94 OPS-plus, six percent below MLB average.<\/p>\n In four games on their just-completed homestand, Altuve batted sixth in the Astros\u2019 lineup. Before that, he hadn\u2019t slotted sixth or lower in a full-length season since 2012. His first career starts in the fifth spot came earlier this year, as well.<\/p>\n A FRIENDLY FACE:\u00a0At 87, usher Suzann Richardson is retiring<\/a><\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Houston\u2019s offense may no longer hinge on Altuve being an ignitor. Jeremy Pe\u00f1a and Yordan Alvarez form a dynamic 1-2 atop the lineup. Isaac Paredes has settled into hitting after Alvarez, and Christian Walker\u2019s season-long production in the middle of the order remains above-average.<\/p>\n Still, the Astros\u2019 pursuit of lineup length and lack of outfield production, both reflected in plugging trade deadline addition Daulton Varsho directly into the cleanup spot this week, crave impact from\u00a0Altuve. No player in their clubhouse has created more during the era this team is trying to sustain.<\/p>\n With Paredes not starting Wednesday<\/a> amid a mini-slump, Altuve moved up to third in the order. He singled and homered in his first two at-bats before finishing 2-for-5 in the Astros\u2019 5-4 loss to the Blue Jays<\/a>, one that left them 59-57 and with a 1\u00bd-game lead in the American League West.<\/p>\n Houston Astros manager Joe Espada argues a call with umpire Doug Eddings after designated hitter Yordan Alvarez was called out at second during the 10th inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. Eddings ejected Espada and the call stood upon review.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Houston Astros manager Joe Espada (19) head back to the dugout after being ejected by umpire Doug Eddings for arguing a call after designated hitter Yordan Alvarez was called out at second during the 10th inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Houston Astros right fielder Cam Smith (11) walks back to the dugout after being tagged out by Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Luis Ur\u00edas attempting to steal second to end the eighth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Houston Astros right fielder Cam Smith (11) is tagged out by Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Luis Ur\u00edas attempting to steal second to end the eighth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Houston Astros relief pitcher Bryan Abreu (52) delivers during the eighth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pe\u00f1a (3) reacts after flying out to end the sixth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Houston Astros shortstop Nick Allen (20) is checked on by trainers and manager Joe Espada after being hit in the hand by Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Spencer Miles during the sixth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Houston Astros shortstop Nick Allen (20) drops his bat being hit in the hand by Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Spencer Miles during the sixth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Houston Astros shortstop Nick Allen (20) is hit in the hand by Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Spencer Miles during the sixth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Houston Astros left fielder LaMonte Wade Jr. (31) reacts after hitting a double during the sixth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Houston Astros pitcher Hunter Brown (58) reacts alongside catcher Yainer Diaz as he walks off the field during the sixth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Toronto Blue Jays Jes\u00fas S\u00e1nchez reacts after hitting game-tying, 2-run home run off Houston starting pitcher Hunter Brown during the sixth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Houston Astros pitcher Hunter Brown (58) reacts after giving up a game-tying, two-run home run to Toronto Blue Jays Jes\u00fas S\u00e1nchez during the sixth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Houston Astros LaMonte Wade Jr. (31) hits an RBI single during the third inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Houston Astros LaMonte Wade Jr. (31) hits an RBI single during the third inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Houston Astros Christian Walker (8) rects after hitting an RBI double during the third inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Houston Astros Christian Walker (8) rects after hitting an RBI double during the third inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Houston Astros Jose Altuve, right, gets a high-five from Taylor Trammell after hitting a solo home run during the third inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Houston Astros Jose Altuve reacts after hitting a solo home run during the third inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Houston Astros Daulton Varsho hands his bat off after drawing a walk during the first inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Houston Astros Daulton Varsho bats during the first inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) reacts after hitting a single during the first inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Houston Astros Jose Altuve (27) hits a single during the first inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown (58) delivers during the first inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown (58) delivers during the first inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Astros usher Suzann Richardson adjusts her lanyard with pins from various events she\u2019s been at before her last game with the organization in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. Richardson, 87, has been an usher for 31 years with the team starting her tenure in 1995 when the team still played in the Astrodome.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Astros usher Suzann Richardson adjusts her lanyard with pins from various events she\u2019s been at before her last game with the organization in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. Richardson, 87, has been an usher for 31 years with the team starting her tenure in 1995 when the team still played in the Astrodome.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Astros usher Suzann Richardson visits with fans before her last game with the organization in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. Richardson, 87, has been an usher for 31 years with the team starting her tenure in 1995 when the team still played in the Astrodome.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Astros usher Suzann Richardson, left, visits with coworkers while holding a team autographed baseball before her last game with the organization in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. Richardson, 87, has been an usher for 31 years with the team starting her tenure in 1995 when the team still played in the Astrodome.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Astros usher Suzann Richardson holds an autographed team baseball gifted to her by players before her last game with the organization in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. Richardson, 87, has been an usher for 31 years with the team starting her tenure in 1995 when the team still played in the Astrodome.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Astros usher Suzann Richardson holds an autographed team baseball gifted to her by players before her last game with the organization in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. Richardson, 87, has been an usher for 31 years with the team starting her tenure in 1995 when the team still played in the Astrodome.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Astros usher Suzann Richardson laughs before her last game with the organization in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. Richardson, 87, has been an usher for 31 years with the team starting her tenure in 1995 when the team still played in the Astrodome.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Astros grounds crew worker Jim Wiggins, right, kisses usher Suzann Richardson on the head before her last game with the organization in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. Richardson, 87, has been an usher for 31 years with the team starting her tenure in 1995 when the team still played in the Astrodome.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Astros usher Suzann Richardson, left, is handed an autographed ball by the team from ground crew worker Jim Winngs before her last game with the organization in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. Richardson, 87, has been an usher for 31 years with the team starting her tenure in 1995 when the team still played in the Astrodome.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Astros usher Suzann Richardson, left, is handed an autographed ball by the team from ground crew worker Jim Winngs before her last game with the organization in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. Richardson, 87, has been an usher for 31 years with the team starting her tenure in 1995 when the team still played in the Astrodome.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Astros usher Suzann Richardson laughs a she shares memories before her last game with the organization in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. Richardson, 87, has been an usher for 31 years with the team starting her tenure in 1995 when the team still played in the Astrodome.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Astros usher Suzann Richardson, right, visits with is seen before her last game with the organization in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. Richardson, 87, has been an usher for 31 years with the team starting her tenure in 1995 when the team still played in the Astrodome.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Astros usher Suzann Richardson, left, visits with Anita Sehgal, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Communications, before Richardson\u2019s last game with the organization in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. Richardson, 87, has been an usher for 31 years with the team starting her tenure in 1995 when the team still played in the Astrodome.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle Astros usher Suzann Richardson, right, visits with Anita Sehgal, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Communications, before Richardson\u2019s last game with the organization in Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. Richardson, 87, has been an usher for 31 years with the team starting her tenure in 1995 when the team still played in the Astrodome.<\/p>\n Jason Fochtman\/Houston Chronicle<\/p>\n A hitless game July 27 dropped\u00a0Altuve\u2019s batting average to .228. He is 13-for-33 in eight games since, inching his average to .244. Manager Joe Espada noted Tuesday that Altuve has lowered his hands and emphasized getting his front foot down to \u201cbe more efficient, shorter to the ball.\u201d<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n \u201cTrying to stay away from the ground ball and make those more line drives and trying to get the ball in the air,\u201d Espada said.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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