Jose Altuve has completed nearly the whole lot a participant can in an Astros uniform. However Thursday’s Opening Day sport at Daikin Park introduced one thing totally new — and one thing unexpectedly emotional.
As Altuve jogged out to left area for the primary time in his 15-year MLB profession, the 42,305 followers in attendance roared. When the All-Star second baseman turned left fielder noticed himself seem on the stadium jumbotron, he tipped his cap and waved to the Crawford Containers crowd — a gesture that was met with even louder applause.
“I wasn’t anticipating that, however that was wonderful,” Altuve mentioned of the ovation. “I actually appreciated their assist… That was most likely one of many happiest moments I’ve had in my profession.”
Astros supervisor Joe Espada introduced the place change roughly three weeks in the past. He mentioned the choice permits the staff extra lineup flexibility, significantly in preserving slugger Yordan Alvarez by lowering his time within the area. It additionally offers Houston stronger protection up the center, changing Altuve’s declining vary at second base with former Gold Glover Brendan Rodgers.
Astros defeat the Mets on Opening Day, Altuve debuts in Left
However Opening Day proved that the transfer meant extra than simply Xs and Os. Altuve’s willingness to tackle a brand new problem at age 34 — and his rapid impression — had been met with admiration from teammates, followers, and coaches alike.
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“How revered and beloved he’s right here, we felt it within the dugout,” Espada mentioned. “The gamers had been speaking about it. I’ve obtained a lot respect for him.”
That respect rapidly turned to a collective gasp within the prime of the primary inning when Brandon Nimmo lifted a fly ball to left-center. Altuve charged in from left as middle fielder Jake Meyers converged on the ball, however it was Altuve — not Meyers — who made the leaping seize, ending the inning and stranding two Mets runners.
“I do know Jake known as that one, however I used to be on my manner there,” Altuve mentioned with a smile. “I wished to get my ball.”
Meyers didn’t appear to thoughts, joking that it was a “robust one” to start out their new partnership however pleased with the outcome. “On the finish of the day, for those who catch the ball, that’s all that issues.”
The remainder of Altuve’s night time in left area was uneventful by comparability, other than a clear play on a few singles and a routine catch on a shallow pop from Juan Soto. He additionally known as off shortstop Jeremy Peña with amusing: “Peña, I’ve obtained precedence over him.” On the plate, Altuve went 1-for-4 with a single and three strikeouts. However the storyline wasn’t concerning the field rating — it was a few franchise legend embracing change, and being celebrated for it.
“I’m having fun with my time in left area,” Altuve mentioned. And judging by the response in Houston, everybody else is simply too.