Astros Transition Altuve to Leadoff Spot, Seeks Offensive Spark

The Houston Astros are grappling with significant offensive struggles early in the season, ranking near the bottom of MLB in home runs, slugging, and OPS, with no player surpassing a .400 slugging percentage. Jose Altuve, a franchise cornerstone, has underperformed at the plate and is adapting to a new role, both in the batting order and defensively after moving to left field due to declining range and arm strength at second base. Despite initial skepticism, Altuve's transition to left field at Houston's uniquely configured ballpark has gone better than expected, though his defensive metrics remain below average. The team has also experimented with lineup changes, moving Altuve out of the leadoff spot to spark the offense, but results have been limited so far. Meanwhile, discussions continue about whether to increase Altuve's time at second base to address lackluster production from other infielders. Amid these concerns, the Astros' pitching rotation offers some optimism, but organizational decisions regarding player roles and potential lineup adjustments loom large as the team seeks answers.