Report: Houston Astros' Yordan Álvarez Takes First Swings Since Injured List Placement

Yordan Álvarez took swings for the first time Sunday as the Houston Astros designated hitter is expected to return after the All-Star Break.

Manager Dusty Baker told reporters Monday that slugger Yordan Álvarez took swings for the first time since he was placed on the 10-day injured list, per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Placed on the shelf July 10 with right-hand inflammation, the lefty last played July 9 in Oakland.

According to the report, Álvarez — who won't compete in the 2022 All-Star Game — will stay in Houston rather than travel to Los Angeles to get ready for the New York Yankees' doubleheader Thursday. Álvarez will be eligible to return from the injured list after the All-Star break.

McTaggart added Michael Brantley is in the "same spot, no worse." Brantley left Los Angeles without the team Thursday for further tests on his right shoulder after taking swings for the first time since being placed on the injured list June 28, retroactive to June 27.  

More From SI's Inside The Astros:

1. Report: Houston Astros Select and Sign Drew Gilbert 28th Overall in 2022 MLB Draft
2. Astros' Parker Mushinski Tosses Two Innings In Rehab Appearance
3. Astros' Prospects Brown, Diaz Partake in 2022 All-Star Futures Game
4. Justin Verlander Passes Bob Gibson in All-Time Strikeouts as Astros Thump A's
5. Houston Astros' Catching Prospect Berryhill Fractures Finger
6. Report: Lance McCullers' Next Step Could Be a Rehab Assignment
7. Houston Astros' José Altuve to Miss All-Star Game
8. Houston Astros' Urquidy Cruises Through Six But A's Pounce in the Seventh
9. Report: Houston Astros Interested in Right-Handed Starter Luis Castillo
10. Peña, Pressly Lift Houston Astros Over Los Angeles Angels In Late-Game Heroics

---

Make sure to follow Inside the Astros on Twitter @InsideAstrosSI!