Houston Astros star Yordan Alvarez will be sidelined longer than initially anticipated due to a right hand fracture that was only discovered after his initial placement on the injured list (IL) on May 2. Originally diagnosed with a strain, further imaging later revealed the small fracture, delaying his return indefinitely.
Injury Timeline & Diagnosis
When Alvarez first went down, the team expected a relatively quick recovery, assuming it was a muscle strain in the hand. But as time went on and his symptoms persisted — especially while taking batting practice — concerns mounted. That’s when more in-depth imaging revealed the true extent of the injury.
Astros GM Reflects on the Misstep
Astros general manager Dana Brown reflected on the team’s handling of the injury, suggesting they may have erred in letting Alvarez push through the discomfort instead of shutting him down immediately.
“When he had the first injury… maybe we shouldn’t have let him fight through that,” Brown admitted during a SportsTalk 790 interview. “He said it wasn’t the normal pain that he usually gets in his hand… Maybe at that point we probably should have shut him down.”
Brown acknowledged that early rest may have prevented the situation from worsening, and now the team is paying the price.
Alvarez Shares His Perspective
Alvarez echoed his GM’s sentiments, explaining that trying to swing a bat during recovery ultimately hindered his healing. Now, rest is the only path forward.
“Taking batting practice wasn’t letting the hand heal,” Alvarez said. “Now I need to let it rest completely so I can get back to playing.”
Current Season Performance
Before the injury, Alvarez wasn’t performing up to his usual standards, slashing .210/.306/.340 with just three home runs and 18 RBIs in 29 games. While those numbers are below his All-Star caliber norms, it’s likely the lingering hand discomfort affected his mechanics and power at the plate.
What This Means for the Astros
The loss of Alvarez, a three-time All-Star and one of the league’s most feared power hitters, is a major blow to the Astros’ lineup. His extended absence will test Houston’s offensive depth, especially with the team already struggling to keep pace in the AL West this season.
As of now, the Astros have not provided a timetable for Alvarez’s return, and both the player and front office seem intent on taking a more cautious approach going forward.
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