Jose Altuve is showing patience and leading the new-look Astros offense

Seven games into the season, Jose Altuve has drawn eight walks and helped an Astros lineup that leads the American League in on-base percentage (.366).

Jose Altuve has shifted toward a more patient approach early in his 16th season as the Houston Astros emphasize a rebuilt offensive identity. Team officials overhauled the offensive coaching setup this winter and asked players to take better control of their at-bats. Manager Joe Espada and general manager Dana Brown pushed for more patience across the lineup. Seven games in, Altuve is showing increased walks and helping a lineup that has scored frequently during a recent homestand. Key facts: - The Astros scored 45 runs and drew 32 walks across a seven-game homestand. - Houston entered Wednesday with the highest American League on-base percentage at .366 and the most doubles in Major League Baseball. - The team is seeing 3.99 pitches per plate appearance, up from 3.75 last season. - Altuve led the team with eight walks, reached base at a .516 clip over the stretch, is 8-for-23 to start the season, and homered twice on Monday. - He entered Wednesday with a 20.9 percent chase rate, 18 points lower than what he finished with last season. - Altuve used the ABS replay system this season and challenged three pitches during the season-opening homestand; two were overturned from strikes to balls. Summary: Altuve's early-season patience has coincided with a lineup that is working deeper counts and posting strong on-base numbers, and teammates and coaches cite his leadership. Undetermined at this time.