Jose Altuve grimaces after fouling a pitch off, then leaves the game after attempting to bunt with two strikes. (0:44)

HOUSTON -- Astros second baseman Jose Altuve exited Wednesday night's game against the Oakland Athletics after the fifth inning because of right side discomfort, but neither he nor manager Joe Espada seemed too concerned.

Altuve called Espada and the athletic trainer out of the dugout after a swing during his at-bat in the fifth. Altuve completed the at-bat, striking out on a bunt attempt, but did not take the field in the sixth.

"He got fooled on the pitch, and he kind of felt something," Espada said. "Out of precaution, he decided to bunt with two strikes just to make sure he was fine. Right now, day-to-day."

Altuve said his right side bothered him only after that swing.

Altuve missed time last season because of an oblique injury, but Espada said he didn't think the injury Wednesday night had anything to do with that.

Altuve said he would wait to see how he feels Thursday.

"I'm not really worried," Altuve said. "Maybe I just wake up tomorrow, and I'm good to go, so I don't really want to take any positions tonight because normally, with an injury you wait until the next day and see how you feel."

In the top of the sixth inning, Altuve was replaced at second base by Mauricio Dubón while Ben Gamel moved from right field to left and Jason Heyward entered the game in right and took Altuve's spot in the lineup.

Altuve, who went 0 for 3 before exiting Wednesday, is batting .302 this season with 19 home runs and 62 RBIs. He has 174 hits, which ranked fourth in the majors entering Wednesday.

The Astros got other bad injury news when outfielder Chas McCormick was diagnosed with a small fracture in his right hand, Espada said after the game. Espada did not have a timeline for how long McCormick would be out, but the injury will require a stint on the 10-day injured list.

McCormick suffered the injury colliding against the outfield wall making a catch Tuesday night.

"It sucks," McCormick said. "It's really disappointing. I just want to be out here trying to help the team win, especially at the end of the season, going into the playoffs."

Altuve’s Injury: A Closer Look

Jose Altuve’s recent injury has left Astros fans holding their breath as the team faces a crucial point in the MLB season. With the playoffs looming, the uncertainty surrounding Altuve’s status adds an extra layer of suspense to Houston’s journey.

What Happened to Altuve?

Yes, Jose Altuve was injured during a game on September 11, 2024, while playing against the Oakland Athletics.

The injury occurred during a fifth-inning at-bat when Altuve felt discomfort on his right side after fouling off a pitch, according to The Washington Post. He completed the at-bat but left the game shortly afterward as a precaution.

Altuve and Astros manager Joe Espada do not believe this injury is related to his previous oblique issues, which caused him to miss games last season. They are treating the current discomfort as a day-to-day situation and see no immediate cause for major concern.

Altuve’s Return Timeline

The Houston Astros expect Jose Altuve to return to play, but his timeline depends on his recovery progress, which they are assessing day by day. Altuve remains optimistic, stating he hopes to feel better soon and is not overly worried about the injury.

The team is monitoring Altuve’s condition closely. Decisions about his return will depend on how he feels in the coming days. His absence could impact the Astros as they approach the postseason. However, early indications suggest that a long-term absence is unlikely.

The Impact on the Astros

Jose Altuve’s recent injury during a game against the Oakland Athletics has raised some concerns for the Houston Astros. While the situation is being handled cautiously, both Altuve and the team remain hopeful for a quick recovery. His potential return will be critical as the Astros look to maintain their competitive edge heading into the postseason.

The Final Word: Altuve’s Injury and its Implications

The Astros, with their sights set on the playoffs, will be closely monitoring Altuve’s recovery in the coming days. The injury, though described as day-to-day, raises questions about its impact on the team's playoff push. Altuve's return, while not a guarantee, will be pivotal for the Astros' success in the postseason. His contributions, both offensively and defensively, are essential for the team's aspirations. As the season progresses, the Astros will be hoping for a swift and complete recovery for their star second baseman. With their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the Astros need Altuve back in the lineup as soon as possible.