BREAKING: Houston Astros’ star slugger Yordan Alvarez is set to begin his rehabilitation assignment at Double-A Corpus Christi starting Tuesday, marking a significant step towards his return after over three months on the sidelines. This news comes as the Astros gear up for the postseason, and Alvarez’s comeback could not come at a better time.
Astros manager Joe Espada expressed optimism about Alvarez’s progress, stating, “It’s really good news. The fact that he’s feeling better and we’re getting to a point where we can see him back is awesome.” Alvarez has been recovering from a small fracture in his right hand, initially misdiagnosed as a muscle strain, which has kept him out of action since May 3.
In a recent update prior to the Astros’ series finale against Baltimore, Alvarez met with Espada in Houston after returning from the team’s spring training facility in Florida. “He is feeling better,” Espada confirmed. “Good enough to start a rehabilitation assignment.” While Espada noted that Alvarez will require “a few games before joining our club,” he refrained from specifying the exact number of games or at-bats needed.
Alvarez is scheduled to serve as the designated hitter for the Corpus Christi squad on Tuesday. His return is anticipated to provide a major boost to the Astros, who currently lead the AL West with a 1.5-game advantage over the Mariners. Last season, Alvarez showcased his prowess with an impressive .308 batting average, hitting 35 home runs and driving in 86 RBIs.
Before his injury this season, Alvarez struggled with a .210 average, three homers, and 18 RBIs over just 29 games. Fans and teammates alike are eager to see him back on the field, especially as the playoffs loom closer.
As Alvarez embarks on this crucial rehabilitation journey, all eyes will be on his performance at Corpus Christi. The Astros are hopeful that he will return to the roster sooner rather than later, adding firepower to their lineup as they aim for postseason glory.
Stay tuned for updates on Alvarez’s progress and the Astros’ upcoming games as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season.