Astros hold out 9-time All-Star Jose Altuve against Braves with continued soreness in his right foot

ATLANTA (AP) — The Houston Astros held nine-time All-Star Jose Altuve out of Sunday’s 8-3 loss to the Atlanta Braves after he left their game a night earlier with discomfort in his right foot.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Altuve was “pretty sore” before the game and was being examined by doctors. Following the game, Espada said Altuve could have played as a backup if necessary.

“He was available, but I don’t want to force him in there if the game is not called for,” Espada said. “But he’s feeling better. We’ll see how he feels tomorrow.”

Espada left open the possibility that Altuve could return when the Astros begin a home series against Texas on Monday night.

Espada described the discomfort as “the bottom of his foot, closer to his toes. … Hopefully it’s not a big issue.”

Altuve singled to right field in the third inning of Saturday night’s 6-2 win over Atlanta before he was forced out at second on a grounder hit by Jesús Sánchez. He reported the discomfort when he returned to the dugout and was removed from the game.

The Astros entered Sunday tied with Seattle for first place in the AL West.

Altuve, 35, is hitting .264 with 25 homers and 70 RBI.

Mauricio Dubón started at second base and was held without a hit in the finale of the three-game series.

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