Altuve exits for Venezuela after taking fastball to hand

Team Venezuela misplaced second baseman Jose Altuve through the fifth inning of Saturday night time’s quarterfinal in opposition to the United States when a 95.9 mph Daniel Bard fastball struck the eight-time All-Star on what seemed to be his proper hand. Details on the severity of Altuve’s harm weren’t instantly accessible, however Altuve left the sport shortly after returning to his ft after the HBP, which loaded the bases.

Altuve, coming into his thirteenth season with the Astros, is a profession .307/.362/.468 hitter and former AL MVP. Venezuela was trailing, 5-3, on the time of Altuve’s harm however rallied later within the body to erase the deficit. The winner of Saturday’s conflict will advance to face Cuba in Sunday night time’s World Baseball Classic semifinal at loanDepot park (7 p.m. ET on FS1).