Astros will start Jose Altuve
— -- NEW YORK -- Jose Altuve has been added to the Houston Astros' lineup after the team reversed course on its original decision to bench him -- against his wishes -- in an attempt to protect his lead in the American League batting race.
Hoping to become the first Astros player to win a batting title, Altuve entered the final day of the season with a .340 average, three points ahead of Detroit slugger Victor Martinez.
Altuve said all along he wanted to play Sunday against the Mets, but general manager Jeff Luhnow and interim manager Tom Lawless told the All-Star second baseman in the morning he would not be in the lineup.
#Astros update: Jose Altuve is in the starting lineup for today's game at second base.
,#Astros statement: Altuve approached Lawless prior to today's game and was passionate about playing today. (1/2)
,#Astros statement (2/2): As the best player, he deserves the right to make that decision.
- Houston Astros (@astros) September 28, 2014
Altuve said he was prepared to start against the Mets.
"I came to the park today ready to play," Altuve said.
After going 0-for-4 Saturday at Citi Field, Altuve's average slipped to an AL-leading .340. Martinez lifted his average to .337 with a 1-for-2 performance Saturday against the Minnesota Twins.
Despite employing standouts such as Lance Berkman, Moises Alou, Craig Biggio, Jeff Bagwell and Cesar Cedeno, the Astros have never had a batting champion.
Altuve has appeared in 157 games and has 703 plate appearances this season.
ESPNNewYork.com's Adam Rubin and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
#Astros update: Jose Altuve is in the starting lineup for today's game at second base.
- Houston Astros (@astros) September 28, 2014
#Astros statement: Altuve approached Lawless prior to today's game and was passionate about playing today. (1/2)
- Houston Astros (@astros) September 28, 2014
#Astros statement (2/2): As the best player, he deserves the right to make that decision.
Altuve said he was prepared to start against the Mets.
"I came to the park today ready to play," Altuve said.
After going 0-for-4 Saturday at Citi Field, Altuve's average slipped to an AL-leading .340. Martinez lifted his average to .337 with a 1-for-2 performance Saturday against the Minnesota Twins.
Despite employing standouts such as Lance Berkman, Moises Alou, Craig Biggio, Jeff Bagwell and Cesar Cedeno, the Astros have never had a batting champion.
Altuve has appeared in 157 games and has 703 plate appearances this season.
ESPNNewYork.com's Adam Rubin and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
After going 0-for-4 Saturday at Citi Field, Altuve's average slipped to an AL-leading .340. Martinez lifted his average to .337 with a 1-for-2 performance Saturday against the Minnesota Twins.
Despite employing standouts such as Lance Berkman, Moises Alou, Craig Biggio, Jeff Bagwell and Cesar Cedeno, the Astros have never had a batting champion.
Altuve has appeared in 157 games and has 703 plate appearances this season.
ESPNNewYork.com's Adam Rubin and The Associated Press contributed to this report.