Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve suffered a Grade 2 left oblique strain and will be placed on the injured list, manager Joe Espada announced Sunday. The injury occurred during an awkward swing Saturday against the Texas Rangers, when Altuve didn't run after hitting a grounder to third base in the eighth inning.

Altuve underwent an MRI after the incident and sat out Sunday's game. Espada declined to provide a timeline for the nine-time All-Star's return, saying only that the team will fight through the situation. Rookie Brice Matthews started at second base Sunday, with Braden Shewmake also expected to see increased playing time during Altuve's absence.

The injury adds to a growing list of unavailable Astros players, with 14 currently on the injured list. However, shortstop Jeremy Pena, center fielder Jake Meyers and reliever Nate Pearson are likely to return before Monday's game against Minnesota. Altuve, batting .245 with 12 RBIs, represents a significant loss for a team sitting at 19-29 this season.

His absence creates a major hole in Houston's infield and lineup, forcing younger players into larger roles during a critical stretch of the season.