Astros Reveals When All-Star Slugger Will Make Spring Training Debut
The Houston Astros played their first spring training game on Saturday and beat the Washington Nationals, 7-4. They did so without one of their top players.
Outfielder and designated hitter Yordan Alvarez did not play in the game and manager Joe Espada revealed after beating the Nats that Alavez would not play until Tuesday’s game against the Nationals in West Palm Beach, Fla.
The good news is that Espada said the plan has always been for Alvarez to make his debut on Tuesday, per The Athletic. He is not injured and holding him out could have something to do with the Astros’ schedule.
Houston is playing a split-squad game on Sunday, with the Astros hosting St. Louis and traveling to face the New York Mets in Port St. Lucie. On Monday, Houston heads to Lakeland to face the Detroit Tigers.
Alvarez’s standing on the team also means that his position in the batting order is set, whether he’s in the outfield or at designated hitter. Taking a few extra days before taking his first swings in a live game gives younger players a chance for more playing time.
He’s been one of the Astros’ most productive hitters in recent seasons. Injuries limited Alvarez to 114 games last season, but in spite of that he put great power numbers — 31 home runs and 97 RBI — along with a slash line of .293/.407/.583/.990.
Alvarez has now hit at least 30 home runs in each of his last three seasons and has 129 career home runs.
He’s the type of player the Astros want to keep healthy and ready to be productive once the regular season opens on March 28 against the New York Yankees.
