HOUSTON — Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve won't play in Tuesday's All-Star Game after being hit by a pitch and will be replaced by Cleveland's Andrés Giménez, who will now start in his first appearance.
Altuve was struck on the left knee leading off Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Angels. He was kept out of the lineup Friday night and Major League Baseball announced Saturday the eight-time All-Star will not participate in the game at Dodger Stadium.
Altuve was selected as a starter in fan voting. Toronto’s Santiago Espinal will replace Altuve on the AL roster.
Giménez will take Altuve's spot in the starting lineup. The 23-year-old Giménez, who came to Cleveland last year as part of the trade that sent shortstop Francisco Lindor to the New York Mets, is having a standout season. He's batting .299 with 10 homers and 43 RBIs in 78 games while playing solid defense. He's also been incredibly clutch, batting .384 with runners in scoring position.
Altuve is the second Astros' All-Star selection to not be able to play. Slugger Yordan Álvarez was also selected, but was placed on the 10-day injured list and will miss the game. Houston will still be represented by Justin Verlander, Kyle Tucker and Framber Valdez