Watch: Jose Altuve's terrifying view of a high-and-tight fastball

Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve avoids an inside pitch during the fourth inning against the Texas Rangers during Game 4 of the 2023 ALCS. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: 'Ump Cam' shows Astros SS Jose Altuve's terrifying view of a high-and-tight fastball

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 10/19/23

If you ever wondered what it might be like to encounter some wicked-high major-league cheese, "Ump Cam" gave fans a unique view during Game 4 of the American League Championship Series, nearly at the expense of Houston Astros shortstop Jose Altuve.

Watch your lips. pic.twitter.com/BzYHGPF16N
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) October 20, 2023

At the plate in the fourth inning, facing Texas Rangers reliever Cody Bradford, Altuve narrowly avoided a high-and-tight 90-mph sinker, falling backward to the ground as his helmet tumbled off his head.

In a 3-3 game at the time, Bradford certainly wasn't trying to hit Altuve, but he might've been attempting to pitch around him. Before walking in the at-bat, Altuve was 2-for-2 with a double.

To the delight of the Astros, Altuve might be heating up at the right time. Despite homering in Game 3, the 33-year-old had struggled in the ALCS, going 2-of-13 with a walk in 14 plate appearances ahead of Thursday.

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