It shouldn't really be a front office decision. They were pretty much guaranteed to get more negative press for the move, even if it worked, and that would have taken away from Altuve's marvelous season. Nobody will be blaming management and the front office if Altuve loses the batting title.
He needs to sit every couple of weeks. If he loses the title it'll be because he played so many games and he'll know that.
Martinez needs to finish 4-5 to beat him. Never mind. I looked up and thought they had pulled Altuve.