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There will never be another one like Cal Ripken Jr., but most teams have one player that turns heads when they aren't in the lineup. For the Astros, that's Jose Altuve. The spark plug at the top of the lineup has been a fixture since he was called up in 2011. He has played all 66 games thus far in 2014, the only other Astro to match this feat is Matt Dominguez at 65 games. The last time Altuve sat out a game was August 2nd against the Twins last season.
Altuve says he tweaked left oblique swinging bat Tuesday. He wants to play, saying "I'm going to try to change it." Not sure he was joking.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) June 11, 2014
The former All-Star, appears to be on track for his second mid-summer classic appearance. He leads the league in hits with 88, and leads the American League with 24 stolen bases. He leads the Astros in hits (88), doubles (20), and stolen bases (24).
Marwin Gonzalez will get the start as Altuve rests in oblique, but is expected to be in the lineup tomorrow.