Álvarez will begin rehabilitation in the minor leagues and his return with the Astros is approaching

Houston, Texas. — The Astros received great news this Sunday: Cuban slugger Yordan Álvarez will begin a rehabilitation assignment in the minor leagues after missing more than three months due to a fracture in his right hand. The slugger will play several games with the Double-A team Corpus Christi Hooks, which represents the most significant step towards his return to the Houston lineup.

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Manager Joe Espada confirmed that Álvarez will be the designated hitter this Tuesday against the Frisco RoughRiders, as part of his progressive return program. On Saturday, in Florida, the slugger took eight at-bats in live batting practice before flying to Houston to be evaluated by the medical staff. For his part, General Manager Dana Brown advanced that the plan contemplates rest on Wednesday, followed by games on consecutive days, which opens the possibility that Álvarez will return to the Series against Orioles in Baltimore next weekend. “It’s great news. The fact that he’s feeling better and that we’re close to seeing him return is wonderful,” Espada said before the series finale against Baltimore. The absence of Álvarez dates back to May 2nd, when he was placed on the injured list due to an injury initially diagnosed as a strain, but which later revealed a fracture in the fourth metacarpal of his right hand. In the present campaign, the Cuban presents discreet numbers of “.210/.306/.340 with 3 home runs and 18 RBIs in 121 at-bats”, affected by physical discomfort. Very different from what he did in 2024, when he batted “.308 with 35 home runs, 86 RBIs” and consolidated himself as a key piece of the offense, being called for the third time to the “All-Star Game”. The team also reported that outfielder Jake Meyers (calf) could soon begin his own rehab assignment, which would give Houston the opportunity to regain two key pieces for the final stretch of the season. With Álvarez getting closer to his return, the Astros foresee a complete lineup to face the final stretch of the schedule and reinforce their aspirations in the American League West.