The Houston Astros' All-Star double-play combination was being evaluated by team doctors on Tuesday.
Second baseman Jose Altuve, who had been on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Round Rock because of a hamstring injury this week, returned to Houston because of "fatigue and soreness" in his right leg, and shortstop Carlos Correa was removed from Tuesday's lineup against the Chicago Cubs because of soreness in his ribs.
Altuve has been out since May 11 because of his strained left hamstring. Astros manager A.J. Hinch said the hamstring is "fine" and noted that Altuve's soreness is to the same leg on which he had surgery -- the second baseman underwent surgery on his right knee last October.
After the Astros' 9-6 win Tuesday, Hinch said the team had "a little more encouraging" news on Altuve. Though the team did not specify Altuve's diagnosis, Hinch noted that it was "exactly what we thought."
The Astros, who also are currently without All-Star outfielder George Springer (on injured list with hamstring injury), lead the American League West at 37-19.