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Altuve set to return Tuesday amid crucial series

Bob Levey / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The reigning MVP is back, and it couldn't come at a better time for the Houston Astros.

All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve is expected to be activated from the disabled list Tuesday in time for the second matchup of a three-game division battle with the Seattle Mariners, according to Astros manager A.J. Hinch.

"The plan for him is to get through today as a rest day and hopefully activate him tomorrow," Hinch said. "Unless something happens on the field today, that's the best-case scenario for us. He had a successful day (Sunday) of building some confidence and getting himself active where he could test himself. He did just about everything. He got a hit, he got on the bases, he made a hard turn, he sprinted from second base to a bloop single - reaction plays that we can't really simulate in early work. It takes a game competition to do that. So, mission accomplished."

Houston struggled without its star player in the lineup, posting an 8-12 record.

The Astros hold a slim lead in the American League West, sitting one game ahead of the Oakland Athletics and 4 1/2 in front of the Mariners entering Monday's action.

Altuve hasn't played since July 25 because of a right knee injury. His DL stint was the first of his eight-year career.

Before his injury, Altuve was in the midst of another fine campaign, with 134 hits, 24 doubles, and a .329/.392/.464 slash line in 104 games.

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