Houston Astros star outfielder received a key injury update during spring training as the team prepared for Tuesday’s matchup against the Washington Nationals. Unfortunately, Alvarez was not in the lineup after sustaining a minor injury.
According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, Alvarez is dealing with a sore thumb. The injury reportedly occurred during batting practice on Sunday, the same day Alvarez played in a spring training game against the New York Mets. As a result, Chas McCormick took Alvarez’s place in the lineup on Tuesday.
Fortunately for Houston, the injury is not considered serious. Manager Joe Espada shared that he expects Alvarez to return to action as early as Wednesday. That update provides relief for the Astros and their fans, as Alvarez is a crucial piece of the team’s offense. With Opening Day just around the corner, keeping him healthy remains a top priority.
The Astros are hopeful Alvarez will be fully ready when they open the season against the Mets on March 27. Known as one of the premier hitters in Major League Baseball, Alvarez is expected to anchor Houston’s offense once again this year. The Astros rely heavily on his production at the plate, and his presence is vital if the team hopes to make another deep postseason run.
Last season, Alvarez showcased his offensive skills, delivering another stellar year. He played in 147 games and posted an impressive .308 batting average along with a .392 on-base percentage. Additionally, Alvarez hit 35 home runs and drove in 86 runs, playing a significant role in leading Houston to their eighth straight playoff appearance.
The Astros have been one of the most successful teams over the past decade, earning four World Series appearances and capturing two championships. However, last season ended earlier than expected, as Houston was eliminated by the Detroit Tigers in the AL Wild Card round.
With just six spring training games remaining, including Tuesday’s matchup against Washington, Houston is focused on fine-tuning the roster and ensuring players are healthy before the regular season begins. All signs point to Alvarez being back soon, with the goal of having him ready for Opening Day against the Mets — a matchup where the Astros will look to start the 2024 season strong.