Altuve given rest day, out of starting lineup for first time this season

HOUSTON -- Astros second baseman Jose Altuve was out of the starting lineup for the first time this season for Wednesday’s game against the Rockies at Daikin Park. Altuve had started Houston’s first 18 games -- 16 at second base and two at designated hitter.

Isaac Paredes started at second base Wednesday in place of Altuve, who was simply given a day of rest.

Altuve is slashing .288/.405/.455 with two homers and six RBIs this year and has drawn 13 walks against 14 strikeouts. He’s been working on being more patient at the plate and chasing less and is walking at a 16.5 percent clip that is by far the best of his career.

Altuve is six games away from joining Hall of Famers Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell as the only Astros players to play in 2,000 games. Altuve recorded his 2,400th career hit April 6 against the Rockies. He’s second all-time (2,407) in Astros history in hits behind Biggio (3,060).

During the spring, Altuve said he hoped to be able to play in 155 games this year. Altuve, who turns 36 next month, has played in a team-high 308 games the past two seasons.