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All eyes were on Jose Altuve in the third match.
The reigning MVP of the American League, the heart and soul of the champion team of the 2017 World Series of Astros, played a new role in the game. Instead of playing second base, Altuve is became the designated hitter.
Playing with a painful knee, Altuve picked the left field in his first game and was eliminated on first base.
He did not hesitate or did not hesitate. He seemed stable and comfortable in his posture, his momentum and the running that followed.
Yet everyone at Minute Maid Park held his breath while he was in the game.
When he seemed to be able to stand the run, there was a sense of relief that filled the covered and gigantic stadium.
Altuve looked good. This is a good thing for Astros.
If it can be more than correct as the series continues, it's even better.
Altuve had not known the MVP season that he had organized last year when he had led the Astros to the World Series, but he is still as important to the success of the # 39; team.
"It's a leader," manager A.J. Hinch said. "It is extremely important for this team for many reasons."
He brings a lot to the table by playing the second goal. He is still a great hitter and an effective baserunner. He also brings veteran leadership to the club and keeps the team spirit where it needs to be.
Altuve also played against DH in the fourth game, but will return to play defense in Thursday's fifth game. This will be the last home game of the Astros in the ALCS.
The painful knee Altuve is fighting against is the same as the one that sidelined him 21 games in the regular season.
The Astros must be careful with him.
And they are deep enough to withstand the loss of defense for a few days.
The extraordinary public utility player Marwin Gonzalez was able to intervene at second base while Altuve was resting.
In the meantime, Altuve still has to play. And did so without irritating his knee too much.
Hinch said that he saw no problem with the current Altuve basics. Running straight lines has not irritated or cause additional pain.
Playing at second base, where he would move more, could have cut, jumped and put more pressure on the knee.
After the third match, Altuve was in a good mood.
"Running was pretty nice," he said. "It's something I've had to handle these past two days."
He was ready to return to the field.
His attitude, his dedication and his desire to be on the field with his teammates make him such an important member of the team.
Altuve is not the offensive machine that he was last season. He had 168 hits this season and 204 in 2017. His batting average went from .346 in 2017 to .315 this year.
Yet, it is a productive part of the Astros.
More importantly, he has a presence that makes the team vibrate.
It is not uncommon to see him shot in the dugout. This is the type that will suit a teammate who is doing something wrong and who is also the first to cheer, kick back or give a word of encouragement.
His leadership can not be ignored.
His contribution to the success of the team can not either.
In the 21 matches missed by Altuve from the end of July-August, the Astros were 8-13.
"It's the kind of player who can drive you," said teammate Carlos Correa. "I think we've all been looking at (Altuve) his advice or just hearing what he has to say, he's very much to the team."
The Astros are not the Astros without him. Even in a small role, he is very important to them.
And do not doubt a second Altuve will do everything in his power to ensure that when he returns to training second base Thursday, he will stay for the rest of the series.
"I try to do everything I can to feel good, stay healthy and help my team," said Altuve.
His teammates and Hinch appreciate it.
The after-season is difficult. Many players have bumps and bruises and are exhausted after an exhausting year and there is still a lot to play in baseball.
But Altuve finds a way to take care of it and to be present for the team that needs him.
He may not be the MVP level player he was last year, but Altuve is just as important as ever for the Astros.
It always gives them the tone, always provides a spark when they need it.
He's still the club boss they can all turn to.
Altuve will give the Astros everything he has, no matter what. And that will make the club better.
"This guy is such a perfect example for anyone watching baseball and how to compete and play," Hinch said.
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