Altuve (undisclosed) isn't starting Saturday against the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

Altuve was removed from Friday's game against Washington as a precautionary measure after slipping on the grass, and he'll be out of the lineup for at least one game. However, manager Dusty Baker said Altuve was due for a day off anyway, while general manager James Click is optimistic that the second baseman will avoid a trip to the injured list. Altuve should be considered day-to-day, while Niko Goodrum will start at second base and bat eighth Saturday.

Altuve exited Friday's game against the Nationals as a precaution after slipping on the grass, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Altuve was replaced at second base by Niko Goodrum in the bottom of the ninth inning with the Astros up by five runs, circumstances which seemingly back up the idea that the team isn't particularly worried about his health. He was due for a day off Saturday anyway according to manager Dusty Baker, so the Astros can be doubly sure the veteran isn't dealing with any serious issue. Altuve went 1-for-4 with a solo homer to lead off the game prior to his early exit.

Altuve went 2-for-4 with a home run, two additional RBI and one additional run scored during Thursday's 11-3 win over the Twins.

EDGE Analysis

Altuve extended the Astros' lead to 3-1 with a solo shot in the third inning off Twins starter Chris Archer. He added to Houston's advantage again in the sixth by smacking a two-RBI double to left field. Altuve came around to score when the next batter -- Michael Brantley -- ripped a double to center field. During the second baseman's current eight game hitting streak, he's recorded four multi-hit games, four home runs and six RBI.

Altuve went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and two runs scored Saturday against the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

Altuve took Eduardo Rodriguez yard in the third inning to record his fourth homer of the season. He has a five-game hitting streak -- three of which have been multi-hit efforts -- during which he has collected three home runs, three RBI and six runs scored. Overall, Altuve has a .255/.359/.473 line while also chipping in two steals across 64 plate appearances on the campaign.

Altuve went 2-for-3 with a walk Friday against the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

Altuve is hitting only .235 across 60 plate appearances, though he has at least one hit in seven of his last eight games. He's also walked nine times while striking out on just 11 occasions this season, so his plate skills remain intact. Most importantly, Altuve has maintained the leadoff role in a potent Astros lineup, which should allow him to rack up runs scored as he starts to collect hits at an increased rate.

Altuve went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in a 3-2 win Thursday over Detroit.

EDGE Analysis

Altuve took Tarik Skubal deep on the first pitch he saw Thursday. He added a single in the third but made a baserunning error and was caught stealing following a pickoff attempt. After missing 12 games due to a groin injury, the second baseman is 4-for-12 with two homers and three walks over his last four games. He's walked in 14.3% of his plate appearances so far, double his career average. While his average sits at .208 for the season, with a .307 career average it's more likely than not that that rate will continue to rise.

Altuve (groin) is starting Thursday against the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

Altuve exited Wednesday's game against the Mariners due to right groin soreness, but he'll be back in the lineup a day later. The 31-year-old has gone 2-for-8 with a homer, three runs and three walks since returning from the injured list. He'll start at second base and lead off Thursday.

The Astros announced that Altuve was removed from Wednesday's game against the Mariners in the top of the fifth inning with right groin soreness, Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet Southwest reports. He went 1-for-2 with a walk and two runs before departing.

EDGE Analysis

The injury occurred when Altuve fouled a ball off his groin region during his fourth-inning plate appearance. Though he appeared to be in pain when the play occurred, he stayed in the game and proceeded to record a base hit before coming around to score. Though Altuve appears to have avoided a major injury, the fact that he returned earlier this week from a stint on the injured list due to a hamstring issue means the Astros could take some extra caution with him.

Altuve was lifted from Wednesday's game against the Mariners in the top of the fifth inning after he fouled a ball off his groin area in his plate appearance a half-inning earlier, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Altuve was in pain after the play in question, but he was able to remain in the game and complete the plate appearance, which culminated in a base hit. He came around to score his second run of the day, but the Astros apparently weren't comfortable keeping him in the game defensively. Niko Goodrum entered the game at second base as a replacement for Altuve, who can be viewed as day-to-day heading into Thursday's series opener with the Tigers.

Altuve went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in a 4-0 win over Seattle on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Making his second start since returning from a hamstring injury, Altuve walked in the third inning and tacked on a solo shot in the seventh off reliever Matthew Festa to provide a valuable insurance run. Through 11 games, Altuve is slashing .286/.310/.595 with two home runs, three runs and four RBI.