Jose Altuve is making a position change on Opening Day.
Houston Astros’ veteran Jose Altuve will be switching positions for the start of the season. Astros’ manager Jose Espada confirmed on Wednesday that Altuve will be playing left field, a change from his typical role at second base.
This is only the second time in Jose Altuve’s 13 seasons with the Astros that he has started at a new position. Over his career, Altuve has played 1,765 games at second base.
Astros’ manager Jose Espada shared with MLB.com, “The plan for me right now, based on what I’ve seen, is for him to play most of his games in left field. However, things could change depending on roster shifts, injuries, or someone in the Minor Leagues stepping up. As of now, the plan is for him to start most of his games in left field.”
So far this spring, Altuve has played only one game at second base in the Grapefruit League, while he’s appeared in 10 games in left field, including one on Wednesday against the New York Mets.
Espada declined to specify exactly how many games Altuve would play in left field, saying, “I don’t want to put a number on starts or percentages. Right now, I like where he’s at defensively. He’s committed to being the best left fielder, and we’re giving him the opportunity, but he knows that in a seven- or eight-month season, things can change. Jose’s attitude is always focused on doing what’s best for the team.”
