HOUSTON -- The longest-tenured member of the Astros -- and one of the franchise’s five best offensive players in history -- was back in his element Saturday afternoon, laughing and joking with teammates while hitting rockets all over Minute Maid Park.

One thing second baseman José Altuve wasn’t able to do was get too close to double-play partner Carlos Correa, which was a bit of a challenge considering the two are extremely close as friends and have been playing side by side up the middle of the Astros infield for five years. Such is life during the coronavirus pandemic, where social distancing can keep even the best of acquaintances apart.

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Not being able to shake hands or hug his teammates has been the biggest adjustment for Altuve, whose positive persona and natural ability on the field make him a favorite to those around him. Altuve and the rest of the Astros were still trying to balance baseball and social distancing during their second Summer Camp workout Saturday.

“Things like that are the most difficult not to get so close, but I think we’re doing it pretty good right now,” he said. “It’s difficult, but if we put a lot of effort to try to do everything we can to make the people around us safer, I think we can do it.”

Altuve, speaking with reporters for the first time since the coronavirus outbreak shut down spring camp in mid-March and for the first time since turning 30 years old in May, said he spent most of the last three months at home in Houston. His wife delivered the couple’s second daughter in May, which made staying safe paramount for his wife and the baby.

After conferring with doctors, Altuve decided he would play this season, unlike some other players, including Dodgers pitcher David Price. Altuve didn’t qualify as a player with a high risk of contracting the coronavirus, which made it an easier decision for him to play.

“That’s why I decided to join my team,” he said.

When we last saw Altuve on the field, the Astros were still dealing with brunt of the fallout from the sign-stealing scandal. Fans in Grapefruit League ballparks were relentless in reminding the players, particularly Altuve, about their displeasure about the team’s sign-stealing scheme, which Major League Baseball determined happened during the 2017 season -- the year Altuve won the American League Most Valuable Player Award. Teammates, including Josh Reddick, came to his defense in February and said Altuve didn’t participate.

With the coronavirus in the forefront of the news cycle and no fans in the stands during Summer Camp -- and likely at the start of the regular season in three weeks -- Altuve can focus on getting prepared for a 60-game regular season that will be unlike any baseball has seen. There hasn’t been a meaningful game in baseball since the Astros lost a late lead in Game 7 of the World Series and fell to the Nationals in the most crushing loss of Altuve’s career.

“We have the same team,” said Altuve, despite the loss of ace pitcher Gerrit Cole to the Yankees. “We know we have to adjust ourselves to a new [Summer Camp] and shorter season. That might play a little different. I have the same thinking about my team. I like the team we have.”

After undergoing knee surgery following the 2018 season, which ended with a loss to the Red Sox in the AL Championship Series, Altuve began last year battling a hamstring injury. Once healthy, he took off in the second half and recaptured his form. Altuve finished the season with a .298 batting average with a career-high 31 homers and 74 RBIs in only 124 games. After the All-Star break, he led the AL in hits (93) and total bases (178).

“I’ve been around some good ones,” Astros manager Dusty Baker said. “This guy works. He has an idea of what he’s doing. He’s as strong as heck and a highly intelligent baseball player. I’m looking forward to seeing him on an everyday basis. I saw him from across the field and didn’t appreciate what he could do until I’m around him every day. He comes to play and works hard.”

With six All-Star games appearances, three batting titles and an MVP award under his belt, Altuve returned to work like this week he has something to prove. Even if it means eschewing physical contact with his teammates.

“I feel really good,” he said. “Actually, today was my first live batting practice, and I feel better than what I thought. Physically, I feel good. I have a little [workout area] at home and kept myself in shape. I feel fine for this season.”