Astros announce latest update on Yordan Alvarez’s injury ahead of Rays game
· Yahoo Sports
Yordan Alvarez will not be in the Houston Astros’ lineup Friday night as the team opens a big series against the Tampa Bay Rays.
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Alvarez is getting a day off, but there is more to the decision than rest. The Astros slugger tweaked his ankle during Thursday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies, according to Chandler Rome.
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That makes the injury worth watching as Houston begins its series against the Rays. The Astros have not indicated that Alvarez is dealing with a serious injury, but his ankle could be the reason he is being kept out of the lineup.
Alvarez played Thursday in Philadelphia before sitting out Friday’s game. The timing gives him a chance to recover before the Astros decide how he will be used next.
The 29-year-old has been one of Houston’s most important hitters this season. He entered Friday hitting .310 with 38 home runs and 96 RBIs.
He is also chasing a possible Triple Crown. Alvarez entered the day near the top of the American League in batting average, home runs and RBIs.
His recent power has dipped, though. Alvarez has hit only three home runs since the beginning of August. That makes his health another concern for an Astros team trying to secure the AL West.
Houston entered Friday at 75-72 and is holding at least a three-game lead in the division. The Rays, meanwhile, own an 87-59 record and are leading the AL East.
The Astros will need to be careful with Alvarez during the final weeks of the season. His bat is too important to risk making a minor ankle issue worse.
For now, the team appears to be taking the cautious route. Alvarez is out Friday, and his ankle will be something to watch as Houston’s playoff push continues.
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