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The 2023 Major League Baseball season got underway this week and the reigning World Series champion Houston Astros began the season in inauspicious fashion, losing to the Chicago White Sox, 3-2.
But as Houston has taught us time and time again in recent years, it’s not about how you start, but how you finish.
And besides, the ‘Stros were playing without one of their offensive catalysts in star second baseman Jose Altuve.
Altuve is set for at least two months on the shelf with a broken thumb suffered after being hit by a pitch at the World Baseball Classic.
But what if he didn’t have to miss all that time? What if someone could simply donate their healthy thumb to Altuve? And what if said person was superstar actor Mark Wahlberg?
Seems ridiculous, right? Well, let’s check in and see what Wahlberg has to say about it.
.@markwahlberg on his relationship with Alex Bregman (@ABREG_1): “He’s my favorite Yankee killer…I’m an Astros fan.” Said when he says Play Ball tonight “it’s gonna have something to do with my favorite Yankee killers.” + he wants to donate 1 of his thumbs to Jose Altuve” pic.twitter.com/7s0ALwhArG
— Mark Berman (@MarkBerman_) March 30, 2023
Wahlberg, a diehard Boston Red Sox fan, was in Houston for opening day. He told reporter Mark Berman of Fox 26 in Houston that he was there to support Astros star Alex Bregman, with whom he’s formed a close friendship.
But that’s not all.
Wahlberg also made a point to acknowledge the Altuve injury before closing the interview.
“And I am also willing to donate either one of my thumbs to Jose Altuve,” he said with a smile.
Now, I’m no expert, but I don’t think thumb transplants are a thing. I’m also not so sure that thumbs are just interchangeable from left hand to right hand. But you’ll have to do your own research on that one.
Clearly Wahlberg’s presence didnt’t help Houston much on opening day. But the ‘Stros did bounce back with a 6-3 victory over the White Sox on Friday.
Marky Mark, meanwhile, got out of dodge with both thumbs still attached.