Astros star Altuve has knee surgery
Astros second baseman Jose Altuve had surgery Friday on his right knee, the club announced Saturday. Altuve, who served as the designated hitter in the final three games of the ALCS against the Red Sox, played through knee pain much of the second half of the season. Before Game 5 of the ALCS, Astros manager A.J. Hinch acknowledged that Altuve was “playing on one leg.” The six-time All-Star is expected to recover in time for spring training. The 2017 AL MVP batted .315 with 13 home runs and 61 RBI in 2018.
The Marlins are expected to announce the signings of Victor Victor Mesa and Victor Mesa Jr., according to MLB.com. Victor Victor is expected to sign for more than $5 million, and Victor Jr. is expected to receive a bonus near $1 million. Victor Victor Mesa, a 22-year-old Cuban, is ranked by MLB Pipeline as the top international prospect. His brother, Victor Mesa Jr., is a promising 17-year-old.
Butler rests, Rose scores 28, T-wolves lose
The Mavericks had six players in double figures, including 26 from Luka Doncic, in their 140-136 victory against the visiting Timberwolves. Karl-Anthony Towns led the T-wolves with 31 points, and Derrick Rose scored 28 (11-for-21 shooting) in 32 minutes off the bench. After scoring a team-high 33 points Friday, Jimmy Butler rested and did not make the trip.
LeBron James had 24 points, five rebounds and five assists, but the Lakers fell 124-115 in their home opener to the Rockets, who were led by James Harden’s 36 points. The Lakers’ Brandon Ingram instigated a melee in the fourth quarter by shoving Harden before teammate Rajon Rondo exchanged punches with Chris Paul. All three were ejected.
Jayson Tatum had 24 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Celtics to a 103-101 victory against the host Knicks. The Celtics gave Gordon Hayward the night off to rest. Knicks rookie Kevin Knox left the game with a left ankle injury. X-rays were negative.
J.J. Redick (31 points) sank a three with 17 seconds left to lift the 76ers to a 116-115 victory against the visiting Magic. The Sixers’ Ben Simmons left the game after the first quarter with a back injury.
Kyle Lowry had 28 points and 12 assists to lead the Raptors to a 117-113 victory against the host Wizards. The Raptors gave Kawhi Leonard the night off.
Grizzlies forward JaMychal Green is out fourto-six weeks after having surgery for a broken jaw.
Wolves suffer first loss of season
The Wolves (4-1-0-0) got second-period goals from T.J. Tynan, Brandon Pirri and Brooks Macek but lost 5-3 to the host Grand Rapids Griffins.
Brooks Koepka shot a bogey-free 5-under 67 to take a three-stroke lead (13-under 203) after three rounds of the CJ Cup in South Korea.