POINT BLANK PRESENTED BY FITZ ROOFING

One unlikely player could be the linchpin of the Texans defense

The Houston Texans are getting ready for a big season, and the defense could certainly use a big boost from Whitney Mercilus returning to his old self.

Mercilus struggled last year coming back from a pectoral injury, so maybe after another year of recovery he can have a big year.

ESPN 97.5's Joel Blank talks about how Whitney Mercilus could be the key for the Texans defense this year. Point Blank is presented by Fitz Roofing.

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Jose Altuve is expected to miss significant time. Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images.

Astros second baseman Jose Altuve was hit by a pitch during Saturday's WBC game between Venezuela and the USA, which put a scare into Astros fans, and caused him to exit the game.

Now we're hearing Altuve with have to miss some time and won't be ready to start the season.

Bob Nightengale is reporting that the pitch broke Altuve's right thumb and he is expected to miss 8–10 weeks.

The Astros have not given an official update on the specifics of the injury.

Editor's note: The Astros have now given an update on Altuve's injury. He has a fractured thumb and will have surgery soon.

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