HOUSTON – Jose Altuve is responding to those who have thoughts about the way he looked during the Astros’ White House on Monday.
"The president was talking. What do you want me to do? I was just standing there listening,” Altuve reportedly said. “It was an honor to be there. If I didn't want to go, I just wouldn't go."
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Jose Altuve spoke to reporters today about the reaction to his expression during yesterday’s White House visit. "The president was talking. What do you want me to do? I was just standing there listening. It was an honor to be there. If I didn't want to go, I just wouldn't go."
— Jake Kaplan (@jakemkaplan) March 13, 2018
More Altuve: "I'm (standing) behind the president, probably one of the most important guys in the world. I can't be laughing or doing stupid things while he's talking. I need to listen."
— Jake Kaplan (@jakemkaplan) March 13, 2018
Some said the star hitter and second baseman “looked pretty awkward” in photos and video taken during the visit.
Deadspin.com also noted at the end of the event, Altuve showed “zero interest” in shaking President Donald Trump’s hand.
However, after searching through images from the event, KPRC 2 found at least two moments when Trump and Altuve shook hands.
Altuve’s perceived displeasure was linked in some reports to pal Carlos Correa’s absence from the White House visit.
But Correa said his family is in town and he planned to use the team's off day to send supplies to Puerto Rico.
Carlos Correa said today that his decision to not attend the Astros' White House visit yesterday was "not about politics or anything." He said he used the team's off day to gather supplies to send to Puerto Rico. His parents and fiancé were in town with him, he said.
— Jake Kaplan (@jakemkaplan) March 13, 2018
Let us know what you think about Altuve at the White House. Was it much ado about nothing, or is something else going on here?
UPDATE: Altuve has shared an Instagram post that appears to show his resting angry face near the hallowed trophy.