WEST PALM BEACH — Houston Astros star José Altuve has a broken right thumb and needs surgery after injuring it in Venezuela’s 9-7 quarterfinal loss to the United States in the World Baseball Classic .
The Astros said Sunday they will announce a forecast for the second baseman after the operation.
The eight-time All-Star and 2017 AL MVP went down after being hit by a 95.9 mph sinker from Colorado reliever Daniel Bard. in the fifth inning on Saturday night. Altuve winced as he walked away with a track trainer.
Altuve’s injury occurred three days later New York Mets All-Star closer Edwin Diaz suffered a season-ending knee injury during the post-game celebration of Puerto Rico’s 5-2 win over the Dominican Republic. Díaz tore the patellar tendon in his right knee and underwent surgery on Thursday.
( Mets closer Edwin Diaz suffers torn patellar tendon, needs surgery and is expected to miss the season )
“Seems like it could be a while”, Astros manager Dusty Baker told reporters Sunday in spring training. in West Palm Beach, Florida, where Altuve returned for a medical exam.
Utility Mauricio Dubón, who hit .208 games last season, is expected to join the Astros’ lineup to replace Altuve.