The Houston Astros have managed to survive missing outfielder Yordan Alvarez with a hand injury. At 49-34, 6.5 games up on second-place on in the AL West, the team was hopeful they’d be getting their top slugger to return to the lineup. However, they did not provide a positive update on Alvarez on Sunday.
Per The Athletic’s Chandler Rome, Astros GM Dana Brown told the team’s pregame radio show that Alvarez isn’t as close to returning as previously thought.
According to Rome, Brown said that Alvarez is unlikely to join the team in Los Angeles next weekend when they take on the Dodgers. Additionally, Alvarez will take live at-bats at the team’s complex in West Palm Beach, Florida on Sunday. Alvarez has been out since early May with a hand fracture.
Alvarez has struggled at the plate this season when he has been healthy. In 29 games, Alvarez is hitting just .210 with three home runs and a .646 OPS, far behind his usual standard when he made three straight All-Star appearances from 2022-2024.
Whenever he does return, Alvarez will re-join a lineup that has gotten solid production from the likes of Jeremy Peña, Issac Paredes, Jose Altuve, and rookie Cam Smith.
The Astros have managed to survive not having their top gun in the lineup every night, building themselves a comfortable lead in the AL West. Their lineup will only become more potent upon Alvarez’s return, especially if his bat starts to play up to his usual All-Star self.
