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
Elly de la Cruz headlines a big day of IL returns, along with Brandon Woodruff, Kyle Teel, and a few others. Plus, the Jays call up Luis Urias, and more...
Jun 23 2026 8:02am
Jun 23 2026 8:02am
Daulton Varsho looks to inject some punch to the Toronto lineup; two Leiters IL'd with ankle and hip issues; Hicks heads to IL, and more.
Jun 22 2026 8:55am
Jun 22 2026 8:55am
With Adley Rutschman headed to the 7-day concussion IL, Samuel Basallo will become BAL's primary catcher. Plus updates on PT implications of the news on Kiner-Falefa, Lawlar, Abel and more.
Jun 21 2026 8:29am
Jun 21 2026 8:29am
Both Michael Soroka and Ryne Nelson and met bad news on Friday; could Brandon Pfaadt be the fill-in? Plus updates on Ballesteros, Shaw, Lugo and more.
Jun 20 2026 8:55am
Jun 20 2026 8:55am
Mike Trout's hamstring strain earns Christian Moore a ticket back to Anaheim, just one of a flurry of Angels roster moves. The season is over for Adolis Garcia and Quinn Priester. And the rest of the day's news...
Jun 19 2026 8:15am
Jun 19 2026 8:15am
