JOSE ALTUVE

Ben Verlander continues his offseason positional tiers by ranking the best second basemen in baseball.

José Abreu has spent his entire nine-year MLB career with the Chicago White Sox, but Astros owner Jim Crane isn’t worried about how the newly signed first baseman will fit in with his teammates in Houston.

José Abreu and the World Series champion Astros have agreed to a three-year contract, adding another powerful bat to Houston’s lineup.

Houston Astros general manager James Click will not be given a new contract.

Cristian Javier, Bryan Abreu and Rafael Montero held the Philadelphia Phillies hitless through eight innings in Game 4 of the World Series, and the Houston Astros led 5-0 after knocking out Aaron Nola in a five-run fifth.

Bryce Harper and Alec Bohm helped the Philadelphia Phillies hit a World Series record-tying five home runs in a 7-0 win over the Houston Astros in Game 3 of the World Series.

OK, it's finally time for World Series Game 3 between the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies, a matchup to break a 1-1 series tie. Notably, MLB pushed the entire series back one day, so a planned off day for travel on Thursday will turn into an off day on Friday. That also changed the pitching outlook, but only one team changed their Game 3 starter. The Astros star notched three hits in Game 2, and if he has truly awoken, that's big news for the Astros. Catch up on everything you need to know for the World Series:

OK, it's finally time for World Series Game 3 between the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies, a matchup to break a 1-1 series tie. Notably, MLB pushed the entire series back one day, so a planned off day for travel on Thursday will turn into an off day on Friday. That also changed the pitching outlook, but only one team changed their Game 3 starter. The Astros star notched three hits in Game 2, and if he has truly awoken, that's big news for the Astros. Catch up on everything you need to know for the World Series:

No telling how well Philadelphia pitcher Noah Syndergaard will do in Game 3 of the World Series. But there will be one sure thing at Citizens Bank Park on Monday when the World Series resumes with the teams tied at 1-all: The Phillie Phanatic will put on quite a show on Halloween night. The fuzzy, green Phillies mascot is always a fan favorite, and is set to entertain the crowd at the first World Series game in Philly since 2009. Philadelphia went 5-0 at home in eliminating defending World Series champion Atlanta and San Diego in the playoffs, outscoring them by a total of 35-15. In the 2008 World Series, Philadelphia had a 3-1 lead going into Game 5 at Citizens Bank Park.

The World Series is set to return to Philadelphia for the first time since 2009 when the Phillies host the Houston Astros in Game 3 on Monday night.

Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. wasn’t born in Houston, but he sure loves it now.

HOUSTON — (AP) — For the first time in a sluggish postseason, Jose Altuve looked like himself in Game 2 of the World Series. Yordan Alvarez hit a third straight double after the ones by Altuve and Peña to make the Astros the first team in MLB history to open a World Series with three extra-base hits. “He can’t be happy, but he’s happy that we’re winning,” Baker said. They swept their way through the Division Series and Championship Series, and Friday's defeat was their first since Oct. 3. Altuve ranks first in playoff franchise history with 99 hits and 23 homers, which are the second-most in MLB history behind Manny Ramirez (29).

The Astros scored three runs in the first inning and never looked back thanks to Framber Valdez's gem to tie the World Series at one game apiece.

For the first time in a sluggish postseason, Jose Altuve looked like himself in Game 2 of the World Series.

HOUSTON — (AP) — Framber Valdez made a five-run lead stand up after Houston’s lightning first-inning burst, Alex Bregman homered and the Astros beat the Philadelphia Phillies 5-2 Saturday night to tie the World Series at one game apiece. Following the split in Houston, the Series resumes Monday night when Citizens Bank Park hosts the Series for the first time since 2009. Nick Castellanos led off the seventh with a double and Valdez left after a groundout advanced the runner. A day after the deflating defeat, the Astros came out swinging and became the first team to open a Series game with three straight extra-base hits. UP NEXTLHP Ranger Suárez is likely to start Game 3 for the Phillies and RHP Lance McCullers Jr. for the Astros.

Framber Valdez made a five-run lead stand up after Houston’s lightning first-inning burst, Alex Bregman homered and the Astros beat the Philadelphia Phillies 5-2 to tie the World Series at one game apiece.

The Astros and Phillies travel Friday to Texas, where Game 6 of the World Series will be played a night later.

Aaron Nola was nowhere near perfect for the Philadelphia Phillies in Houston for Game 1 of the World Series.

The Astros are back in the World Series for the fourth time in six years, and for the second straight season. If you're one of the many doing the booing, though, it's time to consider what exactly the Astros are now. You don't have to disavow or disregard Barry Bonds' all-time marks — 73 and 762 — to lament their uneven footing. And Jose Altuve, the 2017 AL MVP who teammates and researchers say did not use the cheating scheme, matched his 2017 OPS+ (160) with this season’s performance. Not recognizing the significance of the Astros, at this juncture, is cheating yourself out of appreciating an all-time great team, and an all-time team to root against.

Justin Verlander remains in search of his first World Series win after going 0-6 with a 5.68 ERA in seven Series starts.

No U.S.-born Black players are projected to be on World Series rosters when the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros meet this week.

Bryce Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies are set to play the Houston Astros in the World Series.

Yankees All-Star pitcher Nestor Cortes left Game 4 of the AL Championship Series with an injured left groin after allowing a three-run homer to Houston’s Jeremy Pena in the third inning.

The Houston Astros are one win away from their second consecutive World Series appearance after shutting out the New York Yankees in Game 3 of the ALCS.

Cristian Javier and Houston’s bullpen combined on a three-hitter, Chas McCormick followed a dropped flyball with an early two-run homer and the Astros beat Gerrit Cole and the New York Yankees 5-0 to take a 3-0 AL Championship Series lead.

NEW YORK — (AP) — Jose Altuve doubled Saturday for his first hit in 26 postseason at-bats this year, ending the longest slump of his stellar career. The star second baseman for the Houston Astros reached across the plate and slapped an 0-1 slider from New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole inside the right-field line during Game 3 of the AL Championship Series. The 5-foot-6 Altuve batted .300 with 28 homers and 57 RBIs during the regular season. Altuve has 23 career postseason home runs, which ranks second in big league history behind Manny Ramirez (29). Despite the uncharacteristic struggles of their popular leadoff man, the Astros won their first five games this postseason.

Jose Altuve has doubled for his first hit in 26 postseason at-bats this year, ending the longest slump of his stellar career.

Security at Minute Maid Park had other plans, wrestling the man away from Altuve before he could click off the shot with his cell phone as the ninth inning was set to begin. “He kind of hugged me and said something like: ‘OK, we better win today, because I spent all my money on the ticket,’” Altuve said. “I saw someone running and I said: ‘Astros jersey; I’m fine,’” Altuve said of the man's white Craig Biggio shirt. Altuve added that the man kept repeating that Houston needed to win Thursday. Astros manager Dusty Baker said he didn't notice the fan on the field “until the crowd started going crazy.”“I mean, what he did was wrong, but he looked harmless.

Astros star Jose Altuve was more than happy to oblige when a fan ran onto the field and asked the Houston second baseman to take a selfie with him during Game 2 of the AL Championship Series against the New York Yankees.

Jose Altuve was more than happy to oblige when a fan ran onto the field and asked Houston’s star second baseman to take a selfie with him during Game 2 of the AL Championship Series against the New York Yankees on Thursday night. Security at Minute Maid Park had other plans, wrestling the man away from Altuve before he could click off the shot with his cell phone as the ninth inning was set to begin. “He kind of hugged me and said something like: ‘OK, we better win today, because I spent all my money on the ticket,’” Altuve said.

Alex Bregman hit an early three-run homer, Framber Valdez pitched seven strong innings and the Houston Astros edged the New York Yankees 3-2 to take a 2-0 lead in the AL Championship Series.

Justin Verlander struck out 11 in six strong innings and Yuli Gurriel, Chas McCormick and Jeremy Peña all homered to power the Houston Astros to a 4-2 win over the New York Yankees in their AL Championship Series opener.

That meant the Yankees had less than 24 hours before playing Game 1 of the AL Championship Series against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on Wednesday night. Houston beat the Yankees in the 2019 ALCS when Jose Altuve hit a bottom-of-the-ninth home run off Aroldis Chapman in Game 6. This will be the third big league game where 29-year-old Aaron and 32-year-old Austin have opposed each other on the field. In 2021, Aaron struck out his brother; last June, Austin hit an RBI single off his sibling in a 1-0 win. Harper, trying to reach his first World Series, has hit nine home runs in 26 career postseason games.

The Astros hope he finds his stroke when they return to the AL Championship Series for a sixth straight year and host the New York Yankees in Game 1 Wednesday night. Sometimes, no matter how great you are, sometimes there are down times … but I’m expecting big things out of Altuve. When they’re not all clicking, they’re great.”In 17 playoff series over seven years, Altuve has hit .272 with 23 homers and 49 RBIs. But his biggest postseason home run, and perhaps one of the most memorable homers in playoff history, came against the Yankees. That was the second time the Astros beat the Yankees in the ALCS, with the first coming in 2017 when they went on to win their only World Series.

Houston Astros star Jose Altuve has long been a postseason powerhouse.

Yordan Alvarez and his mighty bat did it yet again, launching a go-ahead, two-run homer in the sixth inning off Seattle ace Luis Castillo that lifted the Houston Astros over the Mariners 4-2 for a 2-0 lead in the AL Division Series.

Yordan Alvarez smashed a game-ending, three-run homer with two outs in the ninth inning off Robbie Ray, wrecking Seattle’s strategy of using a Cy Young Award winner in a rare relief role and vaulting the Houston Astros over the Mariners 8-7 in their playoff opener.

Tuesday will be his 31st playoff start and 32nd appearance in his 20th playoff series. “Unbelievable Hall of Fame-type career, on top of his game, maybe better than he’s ever been most recently,” Seattle manager Scott Servais said. That victory was the biggest road comeback win in playoff history and baseball's largest comeback victory to clinch a postseason series. Gilbert was solid against the Astros in four starts this season, going 2-1 with a 2.52 ERA. I know he’s going to go out there and give everything he has and he’s going to help us to win some games.”RALLY RALEIGHCatcher Cal Raleigh has led the Mariners to several big wins in the last two weeks.

When Justin Verlander takes the mound for the Houston Astros in Game 1 of the AL Division Series on Tuesday against the Seattle Mariners, it will have been almost three years since his last playoff appearance.

Aaron Nola took a perfect game into the seventh inning and Kyle Schwarber homered twice as the Philadelphia Phillies clinched their first playoff berth in 11 years with a 3-0 win over the Houston Astros Monday night.

Philadelphia’s Aaron Nola has not allowed a baserunner through six innings against the Houston Astros.

Bryce Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies hoped to be in this position.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — (AP) — Tampa Bay Rays ace Shane McClanahan was pulled in the fifth inning with neck tightness during a 5-0 loss to the Houston Astros on Tuesday night. McClanahan (12-6) was making his second start after returning from the 15-day injured list due to a left shoulder impingement. McClanahan walked Jose Altuve leading off the fifth, then threw three straight balls to Jeremy Peña. Peña hit a three-run homer, Altuve scored three runs and the Astros won for the ninth time in 10 games a day after clinching the AL West championship. Peña's 19th homer came in the third inning after Altuve's second hit, putting the Astros up 4-0.

Tampa Bay Rays ace Shane McClanahan was pulled in the fifth inning with neck tightness during a 5-0 loss to the Houston Astros.

The Houston Astros clinched another American League West division title, this time with a shutout victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — (AP) — The Houston Astros clinched their fifth AL West title in six years, getting a leadoff home run from Jose Altuve in a 4-0 victory over the Tampa Bays on Monday night. Headed to the postseason for the sixth straight season, Houston won for the eighth time in nine games and improved the AL's best record to 97-51. Luis Garcia (13-8) won his fifth straight decision, giving up two hits and four walks in five innings while striking out four. Hunter Brown pitched three innings and Héctor Neris finished the five-hitter, the Astros 16th shutout this season. Altuve’ hit his 25th homer on the fifth pitch of the game, his 11th leadoff homer this season and 32nd of his career.

The Houston Astros clinched their fifth AL West title in six years, getting a leadoff home run from Jose Altuve in a 4-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Mike Trout homered in his sixth straight game to set an Angels franchise record, Shohei Ohtani threw five solid innings before exiting because of a blister and Los Angeles beat the Houston Astros 6-1.

Justin Verlander was pulled after pitching six no-hit innings in his major league-leading 16th win and the Astros beat the Minnesota Twins 4-2 in Carlos Correa’s return to Houston.

Atlanta outfielder Marcell Ozuna was booed by his home fans in his return, Kyle Tucker singled to drive in Yordan Alvarez for the go-ahead run in the eighth, José Urquidy won his 12th game, and the Houston Astros beat the Atlanta Braves 5-4 to avoid a three-game sweep.

Alex Bregman hit two homers and two doubles, driving in a career-high six runs and powering the Houston Astros past the Chicago White Sox 21-5.

Red Sox Astros Baseball Houston Astros' Yordan Alvarez hits a sacrifice fly to score Jose Altuve during the third inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox Monday, Aug. 1, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)HOUSTON — (AP) — Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez doesn't need any help at the plate. The All-Star got it anyway Wednesday in Houston's 6-1 win over the Boston Red Sox when he wasn't called out after a third strike. After that, home plate umpire Jim Wolf called strike one, and Alvarez fouled off a pitch for strike two. Red Sox manager Alex Cora was not asked about the play.

Houston slugger Yordan Alvarez was not called out after a third strike in a win over the Boston Red Sox.

Abraham Toro pinch-hit for injured All-Star Julio Rodriguez and delivered a two-run single with two outs in the ninth inning as the Seattle Mariners rallied past the AL-West leading Houston Astros 5-4.

Justin Verlander became the major leagues’ first 13-game winner, striking out nine and topping 99 mph in his final inning to lead the Houston Astros over the Seattle Mariners 3-1.

Astros Mariners Baseball Houston Astros' Yordan Alvarez reacts as he rounds the bases after he hit a solo home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Friday, July 22, 2022, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) (Ted S. Warren)SEATTLE — (AP) — The Houston Astros ended the Seattle Mariners' winning streak at 14 games, with Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez homering in a 5-2 victory Friday night. The club was one win shy of matching the 2001 Mariners for the longest winning streak in franchise history. Ty France hit a solo homer for Seattle in the sixth inning against Jose Urquidy (9-4). J-ROD SITSThe 21-year-old Rodríguez was pulled from the lineup days after a breakout show at the All-Star Home Run Derby.

The Houston Astros ended the Seattle Mariners’ winning streak at 14 games, with Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez homering in a 5-2 victory.

Giancarlo Stanton and Byron Buxton homered back-to-back in the fourth inning to rally the American League over the National League 3-2 in the All-Star Game.

White Sox Guardians Baseball Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Liam Hendriks reacts after striking out Cleveland Guardians' Nolan Jones during the ninth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 13, 2022, in Cleveland. The White Sox won 2-1. (AP Photo/David Dermer) (David Dermer)NEW YORK — (AP) — Houston's Justin Verlander, the Yankees' Gerrit Cole and Atlanta's Max Fried won't be active for the All-Star Game after weekend starts. Relievers Liam Hendriks of the Chicago White Sox, Jordan Romano of Toronto and Devin Williams of Milwaukee replaced them on the active rosters for Tuesday's game at Dodger Stadium, Major League Baseball said Sunday. About a dozen players have changed from the original rosters announced July 6 and 8.

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout will miss the All-Star Game because of back spasms, joining Bryce Harper on the sidelines and depriving the showcase of two of baseball’s best-known players.

Justin Verlander struck out 10 in six scoreless innings to post his MLB-leading 12th win as the Houston Astros beat the Oakland Athletics 5-0.

Dodgers Cardinals Baseball St. Louis Cardinals' Nolan Arenado is congratulated by teammates after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday, July 13, 2022, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) (Jeff Roberson)Houston second baseman Jose Altuve, San Francisco Giants pitcher Carlos Rodón, St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado and Miami Marlins second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr won’t be playing in Tuesday’s All-Star Game. Altuve, an eight-time All-Star who was selected as a starter in fan voting, was struck on the left knee leading off Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels. It wasn't immediately clear why Rodón isn't playing in the All-Star Game; he was originally added to the roster on July 12 in place of Milwaukee closer Josh Hader. Warren Mayes in St. Louis and Santos Perez in Miami also contributed to this report.

(AP Photo/Ron Schwane) (Ron Schwane)Houston second baseman Jose Altuve, San Francisco Giants pitcher Carlos Rodón and St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado won’t be playing in Tuesday’s All-Star Game. Altuve, an eight-time All-Star who was selected as a starter in fan voting, was struck on the left knee leading off Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels. MLB announced Saturday that Altuve is being replaced in the starting lineup by Cleveland’s Andrés Giménez, who is making his first appearance. It wasn't immediately clear why Rodón isn't playing in the All-Star Game; he was originally added to the roster on July 12 in place of Milwaukee closer Josh Hader. Arenado, a seven-time All-Star, said Saturday that he's had lower back soreness for three to four weeks, that MRIs found nothing and that he'll take the All-Star break to rest.

(AP Photo/Ron Schwane) (Ron Schwane)Houston second baseman Jose Altuve, San Francisco Giants pitcher Carlos Rodon and St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado won’t be playing in Tuesday’s All-Star Game. Altuve, an eight-time All-Star who was selected as a starter in fan voting, was struck on the left knee leading off Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels. Dodgers pitcher Tyler Anderson is taking the place of Rodon on the NL roster, LA said in a news release. It wasn't immediately clear why Rodon isn't playing in the All-Star Game. Arenado, a seven-time All-Star, said Saturday that he's had lower back soreness for three to four weeks, that MRIs found nothing and that he'll take the All-Star break to rest.

(AP Photo/Ron Schwane) (Ron Schwane)Houston second baseman Jose Altuve and San Francisco Giants pitcher Carlos Rodon won't be playing in Tuesday's All-Star Game. Altuve, an eight-time All-Star who was selected as a starter in fan voting, was struck on the left knee leading off Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels. MLB announced Saturday that Altuve is being replaced in the starting lineup by Cleveland’s Andrés Giménez, who is making his first appearance. Meanwhile, Dodgers pitcher Tyler Anderson is taking the place of Rodon on the NL roster, LA said in a news release. It wasn't immediately clear why Rodon isn't playing in the All-Star Game.

Astros Angels Baseball Houston Astros' Jose Altuve grimaces after being hit by a pitch during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, Calif., Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo) (Alex Gallardo)CLEVELAND — (AP) — Houston second baseman Jose Altuve won't play in Tuesday's All-Star Game after being hit by a pitch and will be replaced by Cleveland's Andrés Giménez, who will now start in his first appearance. Altuve was struck on the left knee leading off Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Angels. He was kept out of the lineup Friday night and Major League Baseball announced Saturday the eight-time All-Star will not participate in the game at Dodger Stadium. Giménez will take Altuve's spot in the starting lineup.

Houston second baseman Jose Altuve, San Francisco Giants pitcher Carlos Rodón, St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado and Miami Marlins second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr won’t be playing in Tuesday’s All-Star Game.

Houston second baseman Jose Altuve and San Francisco Giants pitcher Carlos Rodon won't be playing in Tuesday's All-Star Game. Altuve, an eight-time All-Star who was selected as a starter in fan voting, was struck on the left knee leading off Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels. MLB announced Saturday that Altuve is being replaced in the starting lineup by Cleveland’s Andrés Giménez, who is making his first appearance.

Los Angeles Angels sensation Shohei Ohtani repeated as a two-way All-Star when he was picked for the AL pitching staff, two days after he was elected to start at designated hitter.

Los Angeles will be well represented in the July 19 All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium.

(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (Lynne Sladky)Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels were elected Friday to start in the July 19 All-Star Game along with outfielders Mookie Betts and Trea Turner of the host Dodgers. Toronto catcher Alejandro Kirk and Miami second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. were voted to start as first-time All-Stars, finishing atop their positions in the second round of fan voting. The AL starting lineup includes Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Houston second baseman Jose Altuve, Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson, Boston third baseman Rafael Devers and Kirk behind the plate. Giancarlo Stanton of the Yankees joined Judge and Trout in the outfield, while Ohtani was voted in as designated hitter. Goldschmidt earned a $250,000 bonus for his selection, Altuve, Harper, Stanton and Trout get $50,000 each, and Anderson receives $25,000.

Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels were elected Friday to start in the July 19 All-Star Game along with outfielders Mookie Betts and Trea Turner of the host Dodgers.

Justin Verlander got his MLB-leading 11th win, Yordan Alvarez hit his 26th homer and the Houston Astros beat the Kansas City Royals 5-2 to take the series 3-1.

Angels star Mike Trout finished 0 for 11 with nine strikeouts in a three-game series and Los Angeles hitters fanned 20 times overall in a 4-2 loss to the Houston Astros.

Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge and Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. were elected Thursday to start in the July 20 All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium.

Justin Verlander pitched two-hit ball for eight innings, light-hitting backup catcher Jason Castro lined a two-run homer in the ninth and the Houston Astros beat the Mets 2-0 to send New York to its first three-game losing streak this season.

Houston Astros starter José Urquidy has thrown six hitless innings against the Yankees, a day after teammate Cristian Javier and two relivers combined on a no-hitter against baseball’s top team.

Cristian Javier, Héctor Neris and Ryan Pressly combined on the first no-hitter against the New York Yankees in 19 years, shutting down the best team in baseball and pitching the Houston Astros to a 3-0 victory.

Astros Nationals Baseball Houston Astros' Jose Altuve celebrates after his home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Friday, May 13, 2022, in Washington. Altuve homered on the first pitch of the game Friday night as the Astros won their 11th in a row, beating Washington 6-1. Houston, which began play in 1962 as a National League expansion team called the Colt .45s, has won 12 straight three times — in 1999, 2004 and 2018. Acting manager Ryan Christenson said he could get some occasional starts at second base and designated hitter. AILING ACEDodgers lefty Clayton Kershaw is out with inflammation in a pelvic joint, the seventh straight season he's gone on the injured list.

Braves Mets Baseball New York Mets manager Buck Showalter watches his team play during the eighth inning in the first baseball game of a doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves, Tuesday, May 3, 2022, in New York. The next day, López (three games) and Mets manager Buck Showalter (one game) were handed suspensions by Major League Baseball. Taijuan Walker (0-0, 0.00) makes his third start of the season for the Mets — all against Philadelphia. Houston hopes star second baseman Jose Altuve is feeling better after fouling a ball off his groin area during Wednesday’s win over Seattle. Ohtani was held out of the lineup Monday against Boston but started as the designated hitter Tuesday and Wednesday.

(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) (Carlos Osorio)Miguel Cabrera reached the 3,000-hit mark on a weekend afternoon in front of an adoring crowd at his home ballpark. In an era of high strikeout totals and low batting averages, there aren't any other players who seem likely to reach 3,000 hits any time soon. Among active players, the next man on the career hits list is Robinson Canó with 2,631. Part of what helped Cabrera to the milestone was that he reached the big leagues at age 20. He has 103 hits in his first 85 games, but even if Franco goes on to have a Hall of Fame career, it'll obviously be a while before has a chance to threaten a milestone like 3,000 hits.

Yankees Tigers Baseball Detroit Tigers' Miguel Cabrera singles against the New York Yankees in the second inning of a baseball game in Detroit, Tuesday, April 19, 2022. Cabrera added three more hits to his total Wednesday night in a 5-3 loss to the Yankees. Cabrera is on deck to become the 33rd major leaguer with 3,000 hits, and the first player from Venezuela to achieve the feat. The 39-year-old Cabrera gets his next chance when Yankees lefty Jordan Montgomery faces Detroit in an afternoon matchup. START HIM UPHard-throwing Jordan Hicks is set to make his first big league start after 114 relief appearances for the Cardinals.

Yankees Tigers Baseball Detroit Tigers' Miguel Cabrera singles against the New York Yankees in the second inning of a baseball game in Detroit, Tuesday, April 19, 2022. Cabrera is on deck to become the 33rd major leaguer with 3,000 hits, and the first player from Venezuela to achieve the feat. The 39-year-old Cabrera gets his next chance when Yankees lefty Jordan Montgomery faces Detroit in an afternoon matchup. START HIM UPHard-throwing Jordan Hicks is set to make his first big league start after 114 relief appearances for the Cardinals. Hicks initially will have limited innings and pitches as he adapts to his new role, beginning with this start at Miami.

Angels Astros Baseball Houston Astros' Jose Altuve reacts after legging out an infield single in the bottom of the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels, Monday, April 18, 2022, in Houston. (Kevin M. Cox/The Galveston County Daily News via AP) (Kevin M. Cox)HOUSTON — (AP) — Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday with a strained left hamstring. The Astros hoped to avoid placing Altuve on the injured list but did so Wednesday after deciding that he likely will need more than a week to recover. But that’s kind of guy he is.”Baker said the Astros would split time at second base between Aledmys Díaz and Niko Goodrum while Altuve is out. The Astros selected the contract of infielder J.J. Matijevic from Sugar Land of the Pacific Coast League and transferred infielder Taylor Jones to the 60-day injured list to make room for Matijevic on the 40-man roster.

Diamondbacks Mets Baseball The Ukrainian flag is display in solidarity during opening ceremonies before a baseball game between the New York Mets and the Arizona Diamondbacks, Friday, April 15, 2022, in New York. There were 31 scheduled doubleheaders on the calendar when the lockout-delayed season began, but these first two twinbills were added because of weather. Arizona's game at Washington and San Francisco's game at the New York Mets were postponed Monday because of rain. The Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox played the most recent twinbill of nine-inning games on the penultimate day of the 2019 season. In 10 games this season, New York has scored 6, 4, 3, 0, 4, 4, 3, 1, 5 and 0 runs.

Angels Astros Baseball Houston Astros' Yordan Alvarez (44) celebrates with Jose Altuve after hitting a two-run home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the seventh inning of a baseball game Monday, April 18, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)HOUSTON — (AP) — Houston second baseman Jose Altuve left Monday night's 8-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels in the eighth inning with a strained left hamstring. Altuve legged out an infield single with one out in the eighth and then fell to the ground past first base. He sat on the ground and threw his batting helmet into the ground as he winced in pain. Altuve said he would have tests done, but wasn't sure exactly what those would be.

The Houston Astros are celebrating their home city's connection to space exploration with a new uniform inspired by NASA's astronaut wear and materials. The team debuted their "Space City" uniforms.

World Series Baseball Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve and shortstop Carlos Correa email after their win in Game 5 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Monday, Nov. 1, 2021, in Atlanta. Atlanta’s 7-0 win over the Astros to win the World Series on Tuesday night could mark the end of an era in Houston. Houston reached the World Series in three of the last five years and advanced to the ALCS in each of the last five seasons. The Astros made the trip to the World Series this year after coming one game shy of advancing to the Fall Classic last season. While losing Correa would certainly be a blow to the team, the Astros have plenty of stars who will be back next year, led by Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman and Yordan Alvarez.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Max Fried throws during the first inning in Game 6 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)HOUSTON — (AP) — The Latest on Game 6 of the World Series (all times local):7:30 p.m. The Houston Astros stranded runners at second and third base in the first inning of World Series Game 6 against the Atlanta Braves’ Max Fried. ___3:10 p.m.Alex Bregman remained seventh in the Houston Astros’ batting order and Carlos Correa third for World Series Game 6 against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night. ___2:45 p.m.Major League Baseball planned to have the retractable roof open at Minute Maid Park for Game 6 of the World Series.

World Series Baseball Houston Astros' Carlos Correa celebrates his RBI single during the eighth inning in Game 5 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Atlanta. Trailing 3-1 in the Series, Houston is six outs from forcing a Game 6 back home on Tuesday night. Greinke became the first pitcher with a pinch hit in the World Series since Jack Bentley had two of them in 1923. The Houston Astros have reworked their lineup for Game 5, dropping the slumping Alex Bregman from his usual third spot to seventh. Bregman is 1 for 14 in the World Series, and Houston trails Atlanta three games to one.

Trailing 3-1 in the Series, Houston is six outs from forcing a Game 6 back home on Tuesday night. Greinke became the first pitcher with a pinch hit in the World Series since Jack Bentley had two of them in 1923. ___9 p.m.Alex Bregman and the Houston Astros answered quickly in the second inning, scoring twice to trim their deficit to 4-2 against Atlanta. The Houston Astros have reworked their lineup for Game 5, dropping the slumping Alex Bregman from his usual third spot to seventh. Bregman is 1 for 14 in the World Series, and Houston trails Atlanta three games to one.

World Series Baseball Houston Astros' Martin Maldonado celebrates after his RBI-single during the seventh inning in Game 5 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Atlanta. The Braves are running out of at-bats to regain the lead and close out this World Series with a victory at home. Alvarez, the ALCS MVP, is 0 for 4 Sunday and 1 for 15 in the World Series. Greinke became the first pitcher with a pinch hit in the World Series since Jack Bentley had two of them in 1923. The Houston Astros have reworked their lineup for Game 5, dropping the slumping Alex Bregman from his usual third spot to seventh.

(AP Photo/Ashley Landis) (Ashley Landis)ATLANTA — (AP) — The Latest on Game 5 of the World Series (all times local):11: p.m. The Braves are running out of at-bats to regain the lead and close out this World Series with a victory at home. Alvarez, the ALCS MVP, is 0 for 4 Sunday and 1 for 15 in the World Series. Greinke became the first pitcher with a pinch hit in the World Series since Jack Bentley had two of them in 1923. The Houston Astros have reworked their lineup for Game 5, dropping the slumping Alex Bregman from his usual third spot to seventh.

Matthew Kaminski had intended to play a Grateful Dead song as the walk-up music for Houston's starting pitcher at the World Series. Then, after getting a glimpse of the rookie pitcher's unique wind-up against the hometown Atlanta Braves, Kaminski was suddenly stricken with a bit of inspiration. As the Astros' Garcia strolled to the plate in Game 3, Kaminski broke into a playful version of “Rock-A-Bye-Baby” — the perfect musical accompaniment for a rookie right-hander whose extended wind-up has been compared to someone rocking a child.

World Series Baseball Fans cheer after Houston Astros' Michael Brantley strikes out for the last out during the ninth inning in Game 4 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)ATLANTA — (AP) — Time and time again, the Houston Astros clogged the bases. But a big hit once again eluded the Astros and they fell to Atlanta 3-2 in Game 4 of the World Series, leaving them one loss from elimination. Bases loaded, runners at the corners, second and third — no matter the situation, the result didn’t change. And just like that, the solidly favored Astros can get knocked out in Game 5 Sunday night.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves' Dansby Swanson celebrates a home run during the seventh inning in Game 4 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Atlanta. It was the first time in franchise history the Braves hit back-to-back homers in the World Series. ___8:08 p.m.Truist Park is filled and Braves fans are ready to rock for Game 4 of the World Series. Backup catcher Jason Castro was dropped from the Houston Astros' World Series roster before Game 4 because of Major League Baseball's COVID-19 protocols. The tarp is on the field at Truist Park as a light rain falls before Game 4 of the World Series.

World Series Baseball Houston Astros relief pitcher Ryne Stanek throws during the fifth inning in Game 4 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Atlanta. ___9:45 p.m.Jose Altuve led off the fourth inning with a long homer to boost the Houston Astros’ lead to 2-0. It was Altuve’s second homer of the World Series and helped the Astros move closer to tying the Series at two games apiece. Lee relieved with two on and no outs in the sixth inning of World Series Game 2 on Wednesday and threw 13 pitches to five batters. The tarp is on the field at Truist Park as a light rain falls before Game 4 of the World Series.

World Series Baseball Houston Astros' Jose Altuve watches his home run during the fourth inning in Game 4 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)ATLANTA — (AP) — The Latest on Game 4 of the World Series (all times local):9:45 p.m.Jose Altuve led off the fourth inning with a long homer to boost the Houston Astros’ lead to 2-0. It was Altuve’s second homer of the World Series and helped the Astros move closer to tying the Series at two games apiece. The Houston Astros keep missing chances to pad their lead, and cling to a 1-0 edge over Atlanta after three innings. Backup catcher Jason Castro was dropped from the Houston Astros' World Series roster before Game 4 because of Major League Baseball's COVID-19 protocols.

Dansby Swanson and pinch-hitter Jorge Soler hit back-to-back homers in the seventh inning, propelling the Atlanta Braves to a 3-2 victory over the Houston Astros and a three games to one lead in the World Series. The Braves can wrap up the title on their home field, just as they did two stadiums ago when they beat the Cleveland Indians in 1995. Swanson’s one-out drive made it 2-all and Soler followed with a liner to left field off reliever Cristian Javier.

World Series Baseball Houston Astros' Jose Altuve reacts after striking out during the third inning in Game 3 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, in Atlanta. Greeted by chants of “Cheater!” all night, the Astros stars went almost silent in Game 3 of the World Series. The greater concern for the Astros: When will their big hitters break loose? You have to in this game," Bregman said. More likely, it was the matchup — not a single Houston hitter in the lineup had ever faced Braves starter Ian Anderson.