Altuve is getting a planned day of rest Wednesday versus the Guardians, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Mauricio Dubon will start at second base and hit leadoff. Altuve went 1-for-4 with a single and a run scored in the Astros' win over Cleveland on Tuesday and boasts a .364/.440/.591 batting line in 25 plate appearances since he returned July 26 from a three-week absence for a left oblique injury.

Altuve went 1-for-2 with three walks, two runs and two stolen bases in a 7-3 victory versus the Guardians on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Altuve began the Astros' half of the first inning with a bunt single and a stolen base to set the tone for a healthy stat line that included his first multi-steal game of the campaign. The veteran second baseman hadn't been running much prior to Monday, as he hadn't swiped a bag over his previous 11 contests. However, Altuve has been hitting well since returning from the injured list July 26, going 7-for-18 with a homer, two RBI, five runs and three walks over five games.

Altuve went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run Saturday against the Rays.

EDGE Analysis

Altuve tallied his first home run since returning from the injured list July 26. Though it came off catcher Rene Pinto, Altuve now has hits in back-to-back games after going hitless in the first contest he was activated. He's returned to his customary spot atop the Astros' order and is likely to remain there for the rest of the season.

Altuve (oblique) went 0-for-3 in Wednesday's 13-5 loss to the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

Altuve played five innings at second base, though his removal was likely due to the Rangers leading by 10 runs to start the sixth. He went 9-for-27 in the seven games prior to his three-week stint on the injured list, but he may have rust to shake off. Altuve owns a .258/.363/.468 slash line with six home runs, 18 RBI, 25 runs scored and five stolen bases through 33 contests. He should be a near-everyday option at second base over utility man Mauricio Dubon.

Altuve (oblique) was activated from the 10-day injured list Wednesday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Altuve has missed nearly three weeks of action due to left oblique soreness, but he's been working out lately with no issues and will return to the Astros' lineup without a rehab assignment. The veteran second baseman will carry a .264/.371/.479 batting line with six home runs and five stolen bases over 32 games into action Wednesday.

Astros manager Dusty Baker said there's a chance Altuve (oblique) could be activated Wednesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Yordan Alvarez (oblique) is also a possibility for Wednesday's series finale against the Rangers. Altuve landed on the injured list July 6 due to left oblique soreness, but he's been doing baseball activities without issue for the last week or so and will apparently be allowed to skip a minor-league rehab assignment.

Astros manager Dusty Baker said Monday that it's possible Altuve (oblique) can be activated without going out on a rehab assignment first, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Baker did note that he has not yet spoken to Altuve about the possibility. Altuve began taking batting practice last week as he works his way back from a left oblique strain, so if he doesn't wind up needing rehab games it seems as if he could be activated relatively soon. The veteran second baseman has been sidelined since early July.

Altuve (oblique) took batting practice on the field prior to the Astros' game Tuesday against the Rockies, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Altuve began running the bases Sunday, so he's steadily ramping up his activity. Though there's been no official timeline given, it's expected that he'll begin a rehab assignment shortly with the target being a return in late July.

Altuve (oblique) ran the bases before Sunday's game against the Angels, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Manager Dusty Baker also said before Sunday's matchup that Altuve will travel with the Astros for their upcoming road trip to Colorado, so the second baseman will require more time before he's able to begin a rehab assignment. Altuve also took grounders at second base just before the All-Star break, so he's made encouraging progress over the past week.

Astros general manager Dana Brown said Sunday that Altuve (oblique) is healing faster than anticipated, but the second baseman isn't expected to be activated from the 10-day injured list when first eligible July 14, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Brown's comments came after Altuve was able to take grounders at second base prior to Sunday's game against the Mariners, per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. Though the GM didn't put a firm target date on Altuve's return from the IL, Brown suggested that the eight-time All-Star is about a week behind slugger Yordan Alvarez (oblique) in their respective recovery programs. Alvarez is expected to begin a rehab assignment shortly after the All-Star break, so if all goes well in Altuve's recovery over the next week, the 33-year-old could be cleared to join a minor-league affiliate the week after. Mauricio Dubon should continue to handle the keystone on an everyday basis until Altuve is deemed ready to return from the IL.