The Houston Astros have received unfortunate news about star outfielder Yordan Álvarez.
Álvarez has been out of action since May 2 with what was reported as a muscle strain in his right hand, and he will be out longer than anticipated.
While taking batting practice on Friday, the slugger felt pain in the same hand.
Further imaging was done, and the team discovered a small fracture in Álvarez’s fourth metacarpal. The fracture is about 60% healed, per ESPN.
According to Astros general manager Dana Brown, the belief is that the fracture wasn’t initially discovered during imaging on May 6 because there was too much inflammation and fluid.
Houston believed Álvarez was going to return this weekend, but Álvarez and the Astros will have to wait a little longer for his return.
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Álvarez will continue to run and field to stay ready, but he will not hit until his hand is completely healed.
Brown thinks Álvarez won’t be out for too much longer since the fracture is almost healed.
“We’re hopeful that because he’s healed so much that… he’ll be back sooner than later,” Brown said.
The Astros currently have a half-game lead in the American League West with a 31-26 record.
Álvarez, 27, is a three-time All-Star and 2022 World Series champion with a career .959 OPS. He is slashing just .210/.306/.340 this season with three home runs and 18 RBI in 29 games.
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