Altuve (thumb) said Wednesday that he's been cleared to field groundballs and test his grip on a bat, but he hasn't been cleared to swing as of yet, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Altuve said that the next two weeks of his rehab are "really important" with regard to shaping his timeline for a return from the 10-day injured list. The infielder has missed all of the 2023 season after breaking his right thumb during the World Baseball Classic. It's a positive sign that Altuve is able to start fielding grounders and potentially grip a bat, but he still has several checkpoints to hit in his recovery before he'll be able to contribute for Houston and fantasy teams.

Altuve (thumb) fielded grounders pregame at Minute Maid Park on Tuesday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

It appears to be the first bit of baseball activity Altuve has performed since he had surgery in late March to repair a fractured right thumb. Altuve is also slated to be examined by the doctor Tuesday to gauge his progress. Based on how that visit goes, we might get a clearer picture on his timetable.

Astros general manager Dana Brown said Sunday that Altuve (thumb) is ahead of schedule and will undergo X-rays in the next two weeks to gauge how he's healing, Jim Bowden of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Brown noted that the second baseman has shown "great movement and flexibility in the thumb" during his rehab. Altuve broke his thumb after being hit by a pitch in the World Baseball Classic, and while Houston didn't place him on the 60-day injured list, he's not expected to return to the lineup until the latter part of May. A more specific timeline should be available after Altuve undergoes imaging on the thumb in around two weeks.

Astros general manager Dana Brown expressed optimism Thursday that Altuve (thumb) will be back from the injured list before June, Mark Berman of FOX 26 reports.

EDGE Analysis

Brown said when Altuve had thumb surgery just over a week ago that the second baseman wouldn't be able to resume baseball activities for two months. Evidently that was either a conservative estimate, or the club expects Altuve to get back up to speed very quickly upon ramping things up again. Altuve was notably placed on the 10-day IL on Thursday rather than the 60-day IL, leaving open the possibility for an earlier return.

The Astros placed Altuve on the 10-day injured list with a fractured right thumb Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

It's notable that the Astros aren't placing him on the 60-day IL yet even as he's not expected to resume baseball activities until mid- to late-May. It still seems likely Altuve eventually winds up on the 60-day IL, but the Astros are keeping their options open to begin the regular season.

Astros general manager Dana Brown told reporters Monday that Altuve (thumb) could be placed on the 60-day injured list, Michael Connor of 790 Sports Houston reports.

EDGE Analysis

Brown told reporters that they will decide if Altuve will head to the 60-day IL on Tuesday. The infielder is going to miss at least two months after undergoing surgery on his fractured right thumb, and a placement on the 60-day list would open up a 40-man roster spot for Houston. It would also mean that he can't come back until June, but that seems like Altuve's most likely ETA to rejoin the Houston lineup.

The Astros announced Altuve underwent right thumb surgery Wednesday in Houston and general manager Dana Brown confirmed the second baseman won't be able to resume baseball activities for two months, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Altuve fractured the thumb after he was hit by a pitch Saturday while playing for Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. With the infielder likely out through the end of May and possibly the early part of June while he rehabs from surgery, David Hensley and Mauricio Dubon are expected to serve as the Astros' primary options at second base.

Astros general manager Dana Brown confirmed Sunday that Altuve has a fractured right thumb and will undergo surgery, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Brown told reporters that the surgery will be done in the coming days as surgeons need some of the swelling to subside before the operation can occur, and that there is no timetable for Altuve's return. The former MVP was hit on his thumb by Daniel Bard during the World Baseball Classic, and imaging has revealed the fracture. Altuve will miss at least all of April while recovering, and he isn't likely to return until the middle of May at the earliest.

Altuve is expected to be out 8-to-10 weeks after being diagnosed with a fractured right thumb Sunday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

EDGE Analysis

The initial fears of a broken thumb appear to have come to fruition after Altuve exited Saturday's World Baseball Classic game due to a hit-by-pitch. An eight-week absence would have the 32-year-old returning in mid-to-late May, but any hiccups during his rehab program could push his return well into June. David Hensley, Mauricio Dubon and Rylan Bannon should all be in the mix to see playing time at second base while Altuve is unavailable.

The Astros fear that Altuve might have broken his right thumb Saturday during the quarterfinal of the World Baseball Classic, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Altuve was hit in the hand area by a Daniel Bard pitch, and the former MVP immediately excited the game. The initial diagnosis was a possible hand injury, but Rosenthal provides specifics that it's likely located to the thumb area. Houston will provide further updates for Altuve on Sunday, but obviously this is a significant development that managers have to keep a close eye on.