The Houston Astros are dealing with a bevy issues on Sunday. Key players are now emerging in talks for possible trades around the league, their record stinks, and there's a real chance Houston will receive only one sympathy selection for the 2012 All-Star game. My apologies for being a downer.
However, the young team is beginning to blossom with talent, and one of those players is Jose Altuve who reclaims his starting spot as the leadoff hitter and second baseman on Sunday. Altuve will play Sunday after missing six straight games because of a right hamstring injury. Here are the starting lineups for both teams.
Houston Astros Starting Lineup
1. Jose Altuve (R) 2B
2. Jed Lowrie (S) SS
3. Carlos Lee (R) 1B
4. J.D. Martinez (R) LF
5. Chris Johnson (R) 3B
6. Brian Bogusevic (L) CF
7. Matt Downs (R) RF
8. Jason Castro (L) C
9. Wandy Rodriguez (S) P
Chicago Cubs Starting Lineup
1. Reed Johnson (R) CF
2. Starlin Castro (R) SS
3. Anthony Rizzo (L) 1B
4. Jeff Baker (R) RF
5. Geovany Soto (R) C
6. Joe Mather (R) LF
7. Darwin Barney (R) 2B
8. Luis Valbuena (L) 3B
9. Travis Wood (R) P
Read more on the Astros at The Crawfish Boxes and SB Nation Houston. Head over to Bleed Cubbie Blue and SB Nation Chicago for the Cubs fans' perspective. Baseball Nation is your source for news and analysis around Major League Baseball.