Jose Altuve Could Return to Astros on Wednesday

The Astros are on the brink of getting their star second baseman back.

Manager AJ Hinch said that 2017 AL MVP Jose Altuve could return to the lineup on Wednesday when the Houston Astros take on the Cincinnati Reds.

Altuve has missed over a month's worth of baseball since he was sidelined back on May 10 with a hamstring injury. He's played in five rehab games in Triple-A, posting a meager .547 OPS.

In 39 games prior to the injury, he was slashing .243/.329/.472 with nine home runs.

He's just one of a slew of Astros stars hampered by injury. MVP hopeful George Springer hasn't played since May 24 due to a hamstring strain, and shortstop Carlos Correa is on the injured list with a fractured rib.

The Astros have performed admirably in their absence, though, sporting a 48-25 record and a healthy 8.5-game division lead over the Texas Rangers in the AL West.

It's impressive that they've managed to keep up their ridiculous pace in spite of such key injuries.

Altuve's return will no doubt be a welcome one, and it will only make the already-dominant Astros that much stronger.