Jose Altuve takes day off, Kyle Tucker takes lead

DETROIT — Jose Altuve got a rare day off Sunday in the Astros’ series finale against the Tigers, after starting the first 39 games of Houston’s season.

The Astros are playing 16 straight days and begin a 10-game homestand against the A’s on Monday. Altuve had started 38 of 39 games at second base and one as designated hitter. He entered Sunday with three hits in 21 at-bats, all singles, on the current road trip.

With Altuve sitting, Kyle Tucker took the lead for the first time this season and the eighth time of his career. Manager Joe Espada said it came down to Tucker or shortstop Jeremy Peña for the top spot. Peña placed second, between Tucker and Yordan Alvarez.

“Both of them bat really well, so I’m just trying to get as many at-bats as possible,” Espada said.

Peña and Yordan Alvarez are the only players to start each of the Astros’ first 40 games. Espada said he could “potentially” give Peña a day off soon. Peña had played all defensive innings (343) at shortstop for Houston on Sunday.

“But he feels pretty good,” Espada said. “He’s doing a really good job with his workload, his pre-game routine. …It’s still pretty fresh.

Alvarez started 12 games in left field and made his 28th start as a designated hitter on Sunday. Espada said Alvarez “feels pretty strong as well. But he’s another guy we watch closely, especially during long stretches like this.