José Altuve was among the Astros' everyday starters expected to play in Tuesday's Grapefruit League matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals, but manager Dusty Baker said the All-Star second baseman is battling an illness.
A similar illness kept third baseman Alex Bregman out of the lineup Sunday.
Baker told reporters "it's going around a little bit," so they told Altuve to stay home and get over the contagious period.
Baker said Altuve will be re-evaluated Wednesday.
Altuve has appeared in four Grapefruit League games this spring. He's 2-for-9 with a double and an RBI.
The Astros will also be without designated hitter Yordan Alvarez, last year's unanimous American League Rookie of the Year, who is dealing with knee soreness.
Justin Verlander is expected to make his spring training debut Tuesday after missing an initial scheduled debut last week due to groin tightness.
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