Altuve Carries Lineup Card for Team Venezuela in Astros Exhibition

Astros star Jose Altuve unable to play for Venezuela in World Baseball Classic due to insurance issues

Mar. 4, 2026 at 3:26am

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Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve was unable to play for Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic this year due to insurance coverage issues. However, Altuve did make a brief appearance in the Astros' exhibition game against Venezuela, emerging from the dugout to deliver the lineup card before the game. Astros manager Joe Espada arranged for Altuve to participate in the lineup card exchange with Venezuela captain Salvador Perez, as a nod to Altuve's stature and desire to represent his home country.

Why it matters

Altuve is one of Venezuela's most accomplished active baseball players, having played in the last two World Baseball Classic tournaments. His inability to suit up for Venezuela this year due to insurance concerns is a disappointment for both the player and his home country, which is eager for success in the tournament.

The details

Altuve did not play in Tuesday's exhibition game against Venezuela, but he did briefly emerge from the Astros' dugout to deliver the lineup card before first pitch. Venezuela manager Omar Lopez, who is also an Astros coach, arranged for Altuve to exchange the lineup cards with Venezuela captain Salvador Perez at home plate, as a gesture to Altuve's status. Altuve was initially hesitant about the idea but ultimately agreed to participate.

  • Altuve played in the last two World Baseball Classic tournaments.
  • Altuve underwent a minor foot procedure in the offseason and turns 36 in May.

The players

Jose Altuve

A second baseman for the Houston Astros and one of Venezuela's most accomplished active baseball players.

Salvador Perez

The Kansas City Royals catcher and captain of Team Venezuela.

Joe Espada

The manager of the Houston Astros.

Omar Lopez

The bench coach for the Houston Astros and the manager of Team Venezuela.

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What they’re saying

“I know his heart is there with them. I know he wished he could be wearing that uniform.”

— Joe Espada, Houston Astros Manager

“These tournaments are really fun. You're representing your country and that's actually really good. The atmosphere you live in these games is insane. It's like playing a World Series between countries and it's awesome. I wanted to go. Somehow I couldn't control about the insurance.”

— Jose Altuve

“Venezuela is expecting for us to win, and we're going to do our best to win every single game.”

— Omar Lopez, Team Venezuela Manager

What’s next

Team Venezuela will play in Pool D of the World Baseball Classic in Miami, along with the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, the Netherlands and Israel. Two teams will advance from each pool to the quarterfinals.

The takeaway

While Altuve was unable to suit up for Venezuela due to insurance issues, his brief appearance to exchange lineup cards with Venezuela's captain was a symbolic gesture that highlighted Altuve's deep connection to his home country and the passion Venezuelans have for their national baseball team.