Dusty Baker is tinkering with the Houston Astros' lineup and wants to avoid hitting Jose Altuve leadoff.

Baker primarily hit Altuve leadoff last year, but the 5-foot-6 infielder isn't fond of the role.

"Actually, Altuve led off because everybody asked him to lead off, not because that's where he feels comfortable," the manager said. "You assume he's leading off because he's shorter in stature. That's not right. I want guys to feel comfortable where they hit."

Baker feels Altuve's free-swinging approach is better suited to the second spot in the order.

"This guy goes up there to hit," Baker said. "There's a lot of times, if he makes an out on the first pitch, then that second hitter's got to take the next pitch, or else the pitcher has two pitches and two outs in the first inning."