NEW YORK (AP) — Jose Altuve has been added to the Houston Astros’ lineup after the team reversed course on its original decision to bench him — against his wishes — in an attempt to protect his lead in the American League batting race.
Hoping to become the first Astros player to win a batting title, Altuve entered the final day of the season with a .340 average, three points ahead of Detroit slugger Victor Martinez.
READ MORE: Michigan Matters: Theaters & PoliticsAltuve said all along he wanted to play Sunday against the Mets, but general manager Jeff Luhnow and interim manager Tom Lawless told the All-Star second baseman in the morning he would not be in the lineup.
READ MORE: CDC: New Listeria Outbreak Tied To 23 Illnesses, 1 DeathAbout 35 minutes before the game, the Astros posted on Twitter that Altuve had been inserted in the lineup, saying he deserves the right to make the decision.
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