CLEVELAND -- All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve tested his pesky right knee during the team's workout Sunday afternoon at Progressive Field, and believes he'll be fine for Game 3 of the American League Division Series against the Indians on Monday afternoon.
Altuve was briefly hobbled while beating out an infield single in the sixth inning of Game 2 on Saturday after slipping coming out of the batter's box. Altuve started running gingerly as he crossed the base and was met at first by manager AJ Hinch and a team trainer. He stayed in the game and wound up scoring on Marwin Gonzalez's double.
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Altuve injured his knee sliding into second base in late July in Colorado and later went on the disabled list. He's been dealing with a sore knee since, but it's not going to keep him out of the lineup, the 2017 AL Most Valuable Player Award winner says.
"Obviously, you see me testing it today because it's very important to see how I feel after that crazy play (Friday), but the results today were good and we're good to play," Altuve said. "We've been playing all year long to be in this situation that we're in right now -- the playoffs, up 2-0. You don't want to miss any games. You want to try to go out there and win as many games as possible and advance to the next series, and I want to be part of this.
"I don't think it's anything to worry about or anything that's going to keep me out of the field."
Marisnick relishing in playoff experience
After missing the playoffs last year with an injury, Astros outfielder Jake Marisnick is thrilled to be healthy and able to contribute in October this year. Marisnick suffered a fractured right thumb while sliding into second base on Sept. 13 of last year and underwent season-ending surgery, forcing him to the bench for the playoffs.
"It's almost better emotionally when I can get out there and play and run around," Marisnick said. "Last year, I was a nervous wreck just sitting on the bench. Now getting a chance to play, I can actually impact the game and I'm ready to go."
Marisnick's biggest impact comes on defense. Hinch brings him in to play center field late in games, and Marisnick has shown several times this year he's one of the best defensive outfielders in the game. Typically, when Marisnick enters the game, George Springer moves to right field from center, Josh Reddick moves to left field from right field and Gonzalez is removed.

"He's the outfield closer," Springer said. "You bring him in, and you pretty much just say, 'Hey, man, I got the line. Go get everything else.' He's ready to go. He wants to catch everything. He wants the big hit. So I'm glad he's able to play this year, because he's an elite defender. I mean, he can fly and he can hit the ball out of the ballpark."
Worth noting
• Veteran catcher Brian McCann is set to make his first start of the ALDS in Monday's Game 3, and look for Tony Kemp to start at designated hitter instead of Tyler White as Hinch puts as many lefties in the lineup as he can against Indians right-hander Mike Clevinger.
• The Astros are holding a free watch party for Game 3 of the ALDS on Monday at Minute Maid Park. Gates open at 10:30 a.m. CT, two hours prior to first pitch. Fans will need to claim a voucher for entry at www.astros.com/postseason, and parking will be available for purchase in Astros-controlled lots. Additionally, ballpark concessions will be open and available for purchase.