The Houston Astros have dealt with a handful of injuries this season. However, none have been bigger than Yordan Alvarez’s hand issue. Initially, results showed a muscle strain, but later tests would reveal that the slugger had fractured his fourth metacarpal in his right hand.
Alvarez has been on the IL since May 5, but he has been able to get the bat back in his hands this past month. After receiving injections back in early July, he started hitting off the tee and soft toss at 60-65% intensity in late July. Now, the slugger is ready to take the next step in his injury recovery process and get back out there.
Manager Joe Espada provided an update ahead of Houston’s series with the New York Yankees on Friday, via Matt Kawahara. The skipper stated that Alvarez was still in the “coach’s BP stage” and that he hit in the cage on Friday and is scheduled to do so Saturday in West Palm Beach. The slugger is getting closer and closer to returning and helping his club, provided he experiences zero setbacks.
Ahead of his injury, Alvarez played in 29 games this season, hitting .210/.306/.340 with three home runs and 18 runs batted in. Part of these numbers includes him trying to play through his fractured metacarpal, but obviously, Houston will not rush him back. They will continue to monitor him closely until they are certain he has recovered enough, as the club currently has its sights set on another playoff run.
