Jose Altuve takes fastball to the wrist, out of WBC quarterfinals

MIAMI, FL – MARCH 18: Jose Altuve #27 of Team Venezuela is hit by a pitch from Daniel Bard #52 of Team USA in the fifth inning during the 2023 World Baseball Classic Quarterfinal game between Team USA and Team Venezuela at loanDepot Park on Saturday, March 18, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images

Houston Astros star Jose Altuve was knocked out of the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals Saturday night after he was hit in the hand by an inside fastball from USA reliever Daniel Bard in the fifth inning. Altuve, who’s suiting up for his home country of Venezuela during this month’s international event, didn’t return to the game. There’s still no word yet on how serious Altuve’s injury is. 

As Bard’s pitch veered inside, Altuve reared back quickly trying to avoid getting nailed. Unfortunately he couldn’t get out of the way fast enough. Altuve was knocked off his feet, and started shaking his hand as soon as he hit the dirt. He stayed lying down in the batter’s box for a moment and was eventually helped off the field. Altuve could be seen grimacing and holding his wrist as medical staff walked him back to the clubhouse.

“You don’t like it, but we don’t have any word yet,” Astros manager Dusty Baker said, per the Houston Chronicle’s Matt Young. “So, you’re always trying not to think the worst.”

The Astros second baseman is the second MLB star to suffer a potentially season-altering injury at the WBC. Earlier this week, New York Mets pitcher Edwin Diaz, playing for Puerto Rico, tore the patellar tendon in his right knee while celebrating a win over tournament favorite Dominican Republic with his teammates. Diaz had to be carried off the field and will undergo surgery later this week, ending his 2023 MLB season before it even began.

The WBC has faced a lot of criticism for these injuries just ahead of Opening Day, specifically from pundits like Keith Olbermann, who called it “a meaningless exhibition” designed to get fans to buy another uniform. “Call it off. Now,” Olbermann tweeted. However, the players have largely defended the tournament, saying how excited they are to represent their home countries in an international event.