The Houston Astros could be without Yordan Alvarez for the majority of the regular season.
While the Houston Astros are in first place in the AL West and close behind the Detroit Tigers for the top spot overall, it hasn't been smooth sailing for Houston. The team has been dealing with a litany of injuries this season across the roster.
But the most important injury has been to Yordan Alvarez. He's missed significant time, and after a new report from Chandler Rome of The Athletic, there is concern that Alvarez could be out for the majority of the regular season, or at the very least, not be at full strength.
"Still," Rome writes," The trajectory of Alvarez's recovery must prompt serious concern about his ability to play again at full strength this season."
While the Astros called Alvarez's latest update, where he received two injections into his hand, "encouraging news," there is still concern over his full recovery. He's already suffered a setback this season, and the Astros could make this worse if they rush him back.
"At the very least," Rome writes, "It would behoove Brown to enter the trade deadline without any expectations for Alvarez to contribute at full strength, allowing him to prepare for the worst while hoping for the best."
MORE: Astros GM Dana Brown reveals recovery timeline for Jake Meyers amid injury
In a scenario where Alvarez is out for a significant portion of the season, a return would likely come near the end of the season. Even if he does return, there's a chance he isn't at full strength.
He began the year off slow, hitting .210 with a .646 OPS in 100 at-bats. His poor start could've been in part due to an injured hand, and if he were to return with his hand not fully healthy, his production at the plate could be poor once again.
The Astros could be without Alvarez for a large chunk of the 2025 season, as they've already been without the slugger since May. He is still expected to return this season, avoiding a true worst-case scenario, but he might not be fully healthy when he does return.
Alvarez is on track to be back this season, but the setback and his struggles to begin the season are cause for concern. He could suffer another setback, or if he does return, it could be at less than full strength.
While Alvarez is expected back this season, there is real concern that the Astros slugger could miss a lot of time this season. From the early season struggles to the latest setback, Alvarez could be looking at a long road to recovery.
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Category: Baseball
