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Altuve exits after taking 95-mph pitch off wrist

Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

With the playoffs just around the corner, the Houston Astros are suddenly crossing their fingers.

Second baseman and American League MVP candidate Jose Altuve was forced to leave Monday's game against the Texas Rangers with an apparent injury after being hit by a pitch in his left hand and wrist area, according to Julia Morales of AT&T Sportsnet Houston.

Jose Leclerc's 95-mph fastball hit Altuve flush on the wrist, sending him to the ground. After briefly being checked out by trainers, Altuve walked off the field and appeared to be grimacing in pain. Tony Kemp entered the game to run for him.

The Astros announced that Altuve suffered a left forearm contusion. X-rays returned negative, and he's considered day to day.

Houston held an 11-2 lead at the time of the incident.

Altuve is in the midst of one of the best seasons of his career and is considered a top MVP candidate. The 27-year-old is hitting a major-league best .348 with a .968 OPS, and his 199 hits also lead the league. After Monday night's game, he sits just one hit shy of his fourth straight 200-hit season, and is poised to win his third batting title in the last four years.

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