Astros’ Jose Altuve out of action for at least two months

Houston Astros star second baseman Jose Altuve has undergone surgery to repair a broken right thumb and will not return to baseball activities for at least two months, general manager Dana Brown said Wednesday.

Altuve, who played for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, was injured on Saturday when he was taken down by a 96 mph fastball by Team USA pitcher Daniel Bard of the Colorado Rockies.

The Astros said in a statement that Altuve underwent surgery in Houston and will remain there while the team completes its final week of spring training in West Palm Beach, Fla. He might not be ready to return to training until at least the end of May.

Altuve, 32, was coming off another stellar season for defending champion Astros, having hit .300 with a .921 OPS in 2022.

Utility Mauricio Dubon, who batted .208 games last season, is expected to join the Astros roster to replace Altuve.

In other team news, the Astros have released right-hander Hunter Brown from his scheduled start Wednesday against the New York Mets in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

Manager Dusty Baker told reporters that Brown, who is ranked by MLB as the organization’s top prospect and competing for the final spot in the rotation, is suffering from lower back discomfort.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.