Altuve is starting at second base and batting leadoff for the Astros in his season debut Friday against the Athletics, Mark Berman of FOX 26 reports.

EDGE Analysis

We're exactly two months removed from Altuve suffering a fractured right thumb during World Baseball Classic play. He went just 2-for-22 during a rehab assignment and might be eased back into action with extra days off, but Altuve nonetheless should be re-inserted into fantasy lineups in most formats.

Altuve was activated from the 10-day injured list by the Astros on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Altuve appeared to still be searching for his timing while on his rehab assignment, as he went just 2-for-22 (both singles) in five games with Double-A Corpus Christi and Triple-A Sugar Land. However, the most important thing is his surgically repaired right thumb is a non-issue and he feels ready to rejoin his teammates. It's possible Altuve will receive some extra days off initially as he eases back into things, but fantasy managers certainly want to get him back into their lineups.

Altuve (thumb) will appear in a rehab game Wednesday for Double-A Christi before potentially being reinstated from the 10-day injured list prior to Houston's game Friday versus Oakland, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Altuve has struggled thus far in his rehab stint with a .056 average over 18 at-bats, but the reps are far more important than the results at this stage. Even if the 33-year-old needs an extra couple of days, he looks like he's on pace to rejoin the Houston lineup for his season debut at some point over the weekend. Mauricio Dubon has been serving as the primary replacement at second base for Altuve this season and would presumably move into a utility role once Altuve is activated.

Altuve (thumb) will move his rehab assignment to Double-A Corpus Christi for the next few games, Michael Connor of SportsTalk 790 Houston reports.

EDGE Analysis

Altuve has just two hits in his 13 at-bats in his rehab assignment thus far, but his movement to Double-A has everything to do with proximity and weather than performance. The 33-year-old infielder will likely need a few more games before he's ready, and he could rejoin the Astros for their weekend series against the Athletics in Houston.

Altuve (thumb) went 0-for-4 and played seven innings for Triple-A Sugar Land on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Altuve said after the game that he plans to play tomorrow, and that his timing is still off which is to be expected, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. The infielder got his first action since breaking his thumb during the World Baseball Classic back in March, and the most important thing is that he's finally getting reps after missing two-plus months. Altuve will likely need a few more rehab games, but it appears likely he'll be playing for the Astros and hitting at the top of the lineup at some point next week.

Altuve (thumb) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Sugar Land on Friday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Out all season following surgery to repair a fractured right thumb, Altuve resumed baseball activities last week and has progressed to the point of being game-ready. There's no word on how long his rehab assignment will last, but knowing Altuve he'll probably push to return as soon as possible.

Altuve (thumb) is taking live batting with Triple-A Sugar Land on Monday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Altuve continues to get closer to returning to the field for the Astros and is not far away from starting a rehab stint. The infielder has missed the first month-plus of action with his broken right thumb, and it looks like he's going to make his return to the diamond more quickly than anticipated. There's a very good chance that Altuve is hitting at the top of the Houston lineup close to the middle of May.

Astros general manager Dana Brown said Sunday that Altuve (thumb) could be ready to begin a minor-league rehab assignment "within a week or so, maybe, as long as he continues to progress," Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Despite undergoing surgery to repair his fractured right thumb March 22, Altuve looks like he could be on pace for a return from the 10-day injured list in fewer than two months. He took batting practice for the second consecutive day Sunday and also took part in fielding work and baserunning drills. Mauricio Dubon has been holding down the fort at the keystone all season while Altuve has been on the shelf, but Dubon is expected to move into more of a utility role once the eight-time All-Star completes his rehab assignment and is deemed ready for his 2023 MLB debut.

Altuve (thumb) took batting practice, fielded grounders and did some running Sunday in Seattle, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Astros' decision not to place Altuve on the 60-day injured list to begin the season after he underwent surgery March 22 on his right thumb appears to be a wise one, as the 33-year-old looks like he'll have a chance at being ready to make his season debut well before late May. As Chandler Rome of The Athletic notes, Altuve slugged about six home runs in batting practice Sunday, which seemingly suggests that his power hasn't been compromised even though he had surgery on his dominant hand. The Astros haven't outlined when Altuve might be ready for a rehab assignment, but it could happen as soon as the upcoming week.

Altuve (thumb) took batting practice Saturday in Seattle, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Altuve has been out since he broke his thumb while playing in the WBC in late March, but Saturday's limited action is a big step in his recovery. The second baseman is on the 60-day injured list and is first eligible to return May 25 and is set to undergo imaging on the injured finger soon. Barring any negative test results, Altuve could be nearing a rehab assignment in the next couple weeks.