José Altuve was removed from Venezuela's game against the United States in the World Baseball Classic on Saturday after getting hit by a pitch in the hand during the bottom of the fifth inning, prompting concern he has a broken right thumb, according to Fox’s Ken Rosenthal.
American reliever Daniel Bard lost control of a 96 mph fastball that ran up and in on Altuve, catching him on the hand as he attempted to duck out of harm's way.
The Astros’ superstar second baseman was visibly in pain as the medical staff rushed out to tend to his hand. The 32-year-old went to the ground before getting back to his feet and attempting to walk off the pain.
