Astros’ Jose Altuve confirms he tested positive for COVID-19 – Houston Chronicle

Astros second baseman Jose Altuve said he is happy to be back with the team after he tested positive for COVID-19 and spent 10 days on the injured list.

Altuve on Saturday confirmed he tested positive for the virus weeks after he received the first dose of the vaccine following spring training. He described no serious side effects from the illness.

It doesn't matter if you got the vaccine or not, it's not good to find out you were tested positive, he said. And on top of that, you have to be away for 10 days. So, you know, I was just ready for testing days to be over and get back to the field and play already right now. And like I said, I can't wait to go back and play.

Although it is unclear when Altuve will rejoin the lineup he wont play in Saturdays home game vs. the Angels the infielder was in good spirits at Minute Maid Park for batting practice on Saturday morning.

I feel really good right now, and Im happy to be back here, he said.

Altuve last played in the Astros 8-2 loss to the Tigers on April 13. The next day, he and four other Astros were placed on the injured list due to health and safety protocols. Stuck in quarantine for 10 days, Altuve was forced to watch games on television.

That is very difficult, just to watch the guys play on TV and not be able to be there with them like I normally do, he said. I was just rooting for them.

While MLB cleared Altuve to return on Friday, the Astros are taking a cautious approach as he regains his physical form.

He still has to pass some tests, manager Dusty Baker said. He still can't work out with us. He can see us today. He still has to leave come game time. And so, like I said, hopefully next week.

Altuve estimated he would be back pretty soon.

The running is the most important for me, then swinging, he said. Those two, if I feel good running and swinging, I can go out there and play a game.

Altuve took live batting practice for the first time Friday, but otherwise has been doing what Baker calls boyhood stuff.

You know, running in the backyard, throwing against the wall, hitting off the tee -- that's what he's been doing, Baker said. He looked great. But, you know, thats BP. We just want to make sure that he's ready physically.

Even if Altuve isnt officially back in the dugout, the Astros have enjoyed having him back in the ballpark.

He came in my office and it was like a beam of sunlight came in, Baker said. When he's around he brings a great attitude, a lot of life, even though he doesn't say a whole bunch. But he has that infectious smile that just rubs off on people. And he came in with even more bounce today than he had yesterday. You know, he bounces anyway. So it was great to see him.

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Astros' Jose Altuve confirms he tested positive for COVID-19 - Houston Chronicle