BOSTON — The Astros are down two second basemen.
Aledmys Díaz exited Friday's series opener against the Red Sox after sprinting to beat out a second-inning infield single, eerily similar to the scene preceding José Altuve's strained left hamstring last week. The club termed Díaz's ailment "left hamstring discomfort," just as it did for Altuve last week.
Since Altuve was placed on the injured list six days ago, Díaz has filled in famously. The 28-year-old former All-Star has started each game at second base in Altuve's absence, striking three home runs and a double. His second-inning single against Boston starter Rick Porcello on Friday made him 8-for-19 since Altuve hit the IL.
After reaching base Friday, Díaz remained in the game throughout the half-inning. He advanced to second base on a wild pitch with no evident distress. Still, he did not emerge to play defense, ceding his spot to Tony Kemp.
Though he won a gold glove in 2014 as a minor league second baseman, Kemp is a veteran of only 45 major league innings there. He's started two games in his three-year major league career at second base.