Houston Astros fans knew longtime second baseman Jose Altuve wouldn’t immediately become a Gold Glove-caliber left fielder. That doesn’t make Altuve’s miscues any easier, especially when the simple plays cost the Astros. Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton took advantage of Altuve’s latest mistake, scoring from second when the 2017 AL MVP botched a transfer on Saturday afternoon. Ty France’s game-tying single subsequently opened the door for a six-run inning.
Although Altuve opened Saturday’s 6-1 loss with his 41st career leadoff home run, all that anyone could understandably discuss was the All-Star’s first outfield error. Jose Altuve is still making adjustments in LF
“We’re putting a lot of work in,” Altuve said, according to the Houston Chronicle. “So [I’m] feeling slowly better out there, and you can tell by the way I’ve been catching fly balls.
“We’re just going to keep working and keep getting better,” Altive added. Astros fans don’t share Altuve’s optimism, especially not after the club’s sixth loss in nine games. Altuve and manager Joe Espada spent Saturday reiterating the difficulties of transitioning to a new position.
The Astros appear pleased overall with Altuve’s adjustments, though it’s clear that word doesn’t especially resonate well with the fanbase. “If by an [adjustment] you mean a defensive liability, then I agree with you,” read one X (formerly Twitter) post. Added a Rangers fan. “I’m a Astros hater but even me i can admit watching Altuve play [left field] is a hard watch ” An Astros fan called Altuve’s position switch the “most enigmatic move the Astros have ever made.” ”
I can’t recall a weaker arm from a starting outfielder, and the slightest pressure to catch and unload is Keystone Cops-level comedy,” they wrote. Another user suggested Altuve’s error may, in fact, have been intentional. “I can’t tell if he’s doing this stuff as a form of protest,” read the comment, “but regardless, this is a failed experiment. He’s a second baseman.”
