Let’s talk about something you don’t see every day—Jose Altuve roaming the outfield. That’s right, the longtime Houston Astros second baseman, the guy who has played every single one of his 1,749 MLB starts at second, is now patrolling left field. And let’s just say it’s a work in progress.
Spring Training always comes with its fair share of experiments, and this one is no different. On Thursday, Altuve got a crash course in the challenges of playing the outfield when Cardinals catcher Iván Herrera launched a deep shot to left.
Altuve tracked it, leaped, and, well, the ball had other plans. It bounced off the wall and back into play, leading to a triple for Herrera. It’s not exactly the kind of highlight Astros fans were hoping for.
Why Is Altuve Moving to the Outfield?
Now, you might be wondering—why is this even happening? Altuve has been a staple at second base for over a decade, so why make a change? Well, it starts with Yordan Alvarez. Houston’s offensive juggernaut played 53 games in left field last year, and according to manager Joe Espada, that was “way too many.”
Given Alvarez’s injury history and how much the Astros rely on his bat, the team wants to keep him as fresh as possible. That means more time at DH and fewer innings running around the outfield. In comes Altuve.
But that’s not the only factor. Mauricio Dubón, Houston’s do-it-all utility man, has earned a more consistent role in the lineup. And with Altuve sliding to left, Dubón can see more time at second base—or even first, which is another wrinkle the Astros are toying with this spring.
No Prior Outfield Experience? No Problem?
Here’s where things get even more interesting. Altuve has no history of playing the outfield. Not in the majors, not in the minors, and not even in winter ball. The closest he’s ever come? A couple of defensive replacement stints at shortstop and a little time at third base.
So, this is brand-new territory. Can he adjust? Probably. He’s one of the most instinctive players in baseball, and if anyone can figure it out, it’s him. But don’t be surprised if there are a few more “learning moments” along the way.
Altuve’s Attitude Is the Key
Altuve understands that this won’t be an overnight success. “I feel like every ball I get is going to be a new thing, something I’m going to learn, and I’ll make the adjustments for the future,” he told MLB.com. A proven veteran like him has kind of mindset that could make this experiment work.
The Astros are banking on Altuve’s athleticism and adaptability to carry him through the transition. Whether this move is a short-term fix or something the team sticks with long-term remains to be seen.
