Houston Astros Get Encouraging Health Update on Big Time Slugger
The Houston Astros got a major positive on Friday as slugger Yordan Alvarez took a huge step in his recovery from an oblique injury that has sidelined him for a month.
The following update comes from the Rotowire fantasy baseball portal:
Alvarez (oblique) took on-field batting practice Friday in Houston, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
The rehabbing slugger will next advance to simulated at-bats this Sunday as he completes his recovery from the right oblique strain that sent him to the injured list June 8. Alvarez seems likely to be ready to return to the Astros' active roster shortly after the All-Star break as long as there are no setbacks along the way.
That's huge news for the Astros, as Alvarez is one of the most feared hitters in the entire league.
Alvarez is a lifetime .293 hitter with 115 homers and 338 RBI. He made his major league debut in 2019 and previously played in the Dodgers organization.
This year, he's hitting .272 with 17 homers and 55 RBI. He was named to the American League All-Star team but is unable to play in the game.
Even in his absence, the Astros have fared well. They are currently 49-39 and in second place in the American League West. They trail the first-place Texas Rangers by two games and also currently own the second spot in the American League wild card race.
The Astros will take on the Seattle Mariners on Friday at 8:10 p.m. ET.
Luis Castillo pitches for Seattle while Hunter Brown goes for Houston.
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