Altuve, who was hit by a ball against the United States, underwent surgery for a fractured thumb

In the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC), which competes for the championship with the honor of the country, injured people are coming out one after another.

Last year’s Major League Baseball (MLB) 메이저놀이터 champion Houston Astros announced on the 20th (Korean time) that their starting second baseman, Jose Altuve, will soon undergo surgery due to a fractured thumb in his right hand.

Altuve, who participated in the WBC as a national representative of Venezuela, went to bat in the bottom of the 5th inning against the United States in the quarterfinals the day before and was hit on the finger by a ball thrown by Daniel Bard (Colorado Rockies) at a speed of 96 miles per hour (154.5 km).

Altuve, who felt severe pain the moment he was hit, was immediately replaced by a major runner.

Altuve returned to the team after Venezuela lost 7-9 to the United States and was eliminated.

Houston manager Dusty Baker expressed regret, saying, “It will take some time (for Altuve to return).”

Altuve, who has been active as a franchise star in Houston since his debut in 2011, showed outstanding skills across offense and defense despite his small height of 168 cm, was selected as an All-Star seven times, and was also selected as the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2017.

“No one wants to get hurt and I hate starting the season on the disabled list,” Altuve said. “I will do everything I can to get back as soon as possible.”

In the WBC, which was held for the first time in six years, as the fighting spirit of the players flared up, the number of injuries continued to rise.

Earlier on the 16th, Edwin Dias, a New York Mets top finisher who represented Puerto Rico, led the team to victory in the final Group D game against the Dominican Republic, and fell down while celebrating with his teammates and injured his right knee.

Dias, who was diagnosed with a ruptured patellar tendon, will be unable to play in the major leagues this season due to surgery and rehabilitation.

In addition, Ko Woo-seok (LG Twins), who played for the Korean national team, complained of symptoms of gallbladder during a practice game ahead of the opening of the WBC.