Astros get positive Yordan Alvarez update

Astros get positive Yordan Alvarez update originally appeared on The Sporting News

The Houston Astros have been without designated hitter Yordan Alvarez since May 2 as he's dealt with a lingering hand injury. However, Alvarez made the most progress he's had on a while on Saturday.

The Astros' star slugger took eight live at-bats in West Palm Beach on Saturday, and will fly back to Houston on Sunday, according to The Athletic's Chandler Rome. Manager Joe Espada said the Astros will determine his next steps from there.

The return of Alvarez has been long-awaited by Astros' fans as it seemingly just continued to get pushed back throughout this season. But, the fact that Alvarez was able to go through live at-bats is a big step in the right direction for the Astros.

"No one seems to know exactly when he'll return. The only good news for the Astros with this whole situation, is that they've played even better without him than they did with him," The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal said. "They're 52 and 39 without Yordan Alvarez, and keep in mind, they've had 18 players on the injured list at one point, eight starting pitchers, and yet they still accomplished this. When he went down, they were only 16 and 15.

"So that's the good news, but they need Alvarez to help balance that lineup. He's one of the premier left handed sluggers in the game."

The Astros have managed to stay at the top of their division despite the many injuries this season, but to finish the season strong and make a playoff run, Houston will need its star slugger.

Alvarez will need a rehab assignment once he is ready to return to live game action, but that would be the next big step toward a return to Houston.