Altuve approaching 1,000 hits at historic pace

HOUSTON — The Astros return to Houston for the shortest homestand of the season, a brief two-game set against a former National League division rival beginning on Tuesday. That gives Jose Altuve exactly two days to give the home crowd what it wants — to witness the star second baseman reach 1,000 hits for his career, in (near) record time.

Entering the opener with the Cardinals, Altuve has 997 career hits, a number he reached in 785 games. As soon as he logs three more, he’ll become the quickest player in franchise history to 1,000 hits, and the second among all active Major League players, behind only Ichiro Suzuki, who logged hit No. 1,000 in his 696th game.

No Astros player has come close to nearing 1,000 hits as efficiently as Altuve. Cesar Cedeno is the current record holder — he did it in 889 games. Jeff Bagwell is just behind Cedeno at 890. Bob Watson is a distant third at 952.

Altuve, presuming these hits come sooner than later, has this trio beat by at least 100 games. And he’s just completing his fifth full season in the Major Leagues.

“He’s still young, and that’s scary for the league,” said Astros manager A.J. Hinch. “Because he hasn’t even reached his full prime.”

Altuve’s place in Astros history is notable, but not all that surprising. He’s on his way to his third 200-hit …

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