Altuve, Hernandez exit after outfield collision

Astros star day to day after getting shoulder 'jarred;' outfielder may head to DL

April 26th, 2017

CLEVELAND -- A scary collision between All-Star second baseman and right fielder marred an otherwise terrific Tuesday night for the Astros, who beat the Indians, 4-2, at Progressive Field behind a complete game from to tie for their best start in club history at 14-6.
Both Altuve and Hernandez were removed from the game upon colliding while trying to chase down a pop fly in the eighth inning. Astros manager A.J. Hinch and team trainers rushed to the field to check on the players, both of whom were on the ground for several minutes.
Altuve walked off the field under his own power and later said he expects to play when the series resumes on Wednesday night.
"I came out of the game because I thought my shoulder was a little bit stiff and sore, but I'm feeling better, and we'll see tomorrow," Altuve said.

Hernandez wasn't as lucky. Called up earlier in the day, he entered the game as a defensive replacement in the previous inning and was carted off the field with a lower left leg bruise. He was in obvious pain after the game and had trouble putting pressure on the leg.
"It's going to be fine," Hernandez said. "Nothing's broken. No fractures. In a couple of days, I'll be back."

Hinch admitted he was concerned about Hernandez going forward. There's a chance the Astros could have to make their second roster move in as many days on Wednesday to bring up another outfielder from Triple-A Fresno if Hernandez will be sidelined for a few days.
"It's a pretty tough bruise," Hinch said. "He couldn't put any pressure on it, so that's why we called for the cart. We'll have to evaluate him. I'm a little worried about him. Altuve just got jarred and didn't feel very good. He's gotten checked out by the doctors. There's no concussion, and he was never out. He just didn't feel great. His left shoulder got banged up, and he was just jarred. There was an uncomfortable look to him, so I took him out of the game."

Hernandez said he didn't hear Altuve calling for the ball and didn't think Altuve could cover that much ground. Altuve said he thought Hernandez called for the ball, but he kept running anyway.
"He'll probably feel like he was in a car wreck," Hinch said of Altuve. "I do feel pretty good about where he's at right now. I don't know exactly how he's going to feel come tomorrow. We'll all be looking for answers when he wakes up, but Teo took the brunt of the collision."
Earlier Tuesday, the Astros placed outfielder on the seven-day disabled list with a mild concussion, recalling Hernandez from Fresno. Outfielder , who has been day to day since tweaking his hamstring on Saturday, was forced into duty to replace Hernandez. took over at second for Altuve.