HOUSTON (SportsRadio 610) -- Astros star second baseman and leadoff hitter Jose Altuve confirmed Saturday he tested positive for COVID-19 after getting the first vaccination shot with the team.
On April 14, Altuve and four other players were put on the injured list as part of Major League Baseball's health and safety protocols related to the coronavirus.
It was unclear at the time what exactly led to the five players missing time, but when Altuve was the only one who did not clear protocols earlier this week, it raised questions of how long he could be out.
Altuve cleared protocols Friday and spoke to reporters Saturday. He said he tested positive some time after being part of a group of Astros who received the first vaccination shot this spring.
Altuve said he's feeling well and glad to be back. He also noted how different the viewing experience is on television versus being in the game. So his communication with teammates was less about baseball, because he wanted to just let them play.
Manager Dusty Baker has said they do not want to rush Altuve back, but he looks great in batting practice and they hope to have him in the lineup some time next week.
With Altuve out, Baker has experimented with several players at leadoff, finally settling on Correa in the Angels series.