Astros Change Course, Put Altuve Back In Lineup
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.
Altuve 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.
About 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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