The Houston Astros have made a surprising move, signing Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Ketel Marte as a temporary replacement while second baseman José Altuve remains out with a concussion. Marte, a versatile and dynamic player, will provide a boost to the Astros’ outfield depth and offer a steady bat as the team navigates the loss of their longtime star.

Altuve, who suffered a concussion in a recent game, has been a cornerstone of the Astros’ lineup for years. The team has not provided a specific timeline for his return, but concussion protocols are always a concern, and the Astros are being cautious with their star second baseman’s recovery. In the meantime, Houston turned to Marte, who has been a standout for the Diamondbacks since 2016. Marte has spent much of his career in the outfield but is known for his versatility, capable of playing both second base and center field with ease.

In 2023, Marte is enjoying a solid season with the Diamondbacks, batting .290 with an impressive on-base percentage and providing steady power and speed at the plate. His ability to get on base and contribute with the bat makes him a natural fit for the Astros’ lineup, even as a short-term addition. While he primarily plays center field for Arizona, Marte’s experience in the infield could be valuable to the Astros as they adjust their roster in response to Altuve’s absence.

For the Astros, the signing is an important step in keeping their playoff aspirations on track while waiting for Altuve’s return. With a deep and potent lineup, adding Marte gives the team another reliable option at the plate and in the field, maintaining their offensive firepower during this challenging stretch. Fans will be watching closely to see how Marte fits into the Astros’ championship hopes as they continue to contend in the American League.