Yordan Alvarez Injury Sidelines Astros Slugger: Ankle Sprain Forces Indefinite Absence
The Houston Astros face a significant setback as slugger Yordan Alvarez is sidelined indefinitely with a "pretty significant" left ankle sprain. Manager Joe Espada announced the news on Tuesday, leaving the Astros without one of their key offensive weapons as they fight for a division title and playoff berth.
Injury Details and Immediate Impact
Alvarez sustained the injury during Monday's game against the Texas Rangers, specifically while crossing home plate after scoring on a throwing error. He was observed leaving the stadium on crutches and wearing a boot on his left foot. While Espada refrained from providing a specific timeline for Alvarez's return, he confirmed the injury would keep him out "for a while." The Astros have not yet placed Alvarez on the injured list.
Alvarez appeared to slip as he touched home plate in the first inning, scoring from first base on Carlos Correa's infield single after an error by Rangers pitcher Jack Leiter. Athletic trainers attended to him before helping him down the steps into the clubhouse.
Astros' Playoff Implications and Team Response
Losing Alvarez is a blow to the Astros' playoff hopes. They are currently battling the Seattle Mariners for the AL West lead and contending for a wild card spot. "We need him in there, but those are the things that we can't control," said Espada. He expressed confidence in the team's ability to overcome the setback, highlighting the available talent and fighting spirit. The Astros are three games ahead of the Cleveland Guardians and Texas Rangers for the final AL wild-card spot.
Alvarez's Season and Previous Injury
Prior to the ankle sprain, Alvarez had been limited to 48 games this season, batting .273 with six home runs and 27 RBIs. He previously missed 101 games due to a fractured right hand. Upon returning, he had demonstrated a strong performance, posting a 1.024 OPS in 18 games, making his current absence even more impactful.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Batting Average | .273 |
| Home Runs | 6 |
| RBIs | 27 |
