Astros star Jose Altuve asks out of leadoff spot to have more time to get ready to hit

HOUSTON (AP) — Jose Altuve asked manager Joe Espada to move him out of the leadoff spot and into the second hole for the Houston Astros.

The reason? He wanted more time to get ready to hit in the bottom of the first inning after coming into the dugout from left field.

Altuve is playing left for the first time in his career after spending his first 14 major league seasons at second base.

“I just need like 10 more seconds,” he said.

The 34-year-old Altuve made the transition...