Houston Astros IL News: Fans were disappointed to learn that star outfielder and DH Yordan Alvarez was sidelined for 10 days with right-hand inflammation. The issue had lingered for several days, though manager Joe Espada initially downplayed its severity.
“I’m going to give him a day just to see if he feels better about playing tomorrow,” Espada said before Saturday’s game against the Chicago White Sox. However, after Alvarez was scratched from the lineup and failed to improve, the team took a cautious approach—placing him on the IL and promoting catcher César Salazar from Triple-A.
A Struggle to Start the Season
Even before the injury, Alvarez struggled to regain his usual dominant form. Over 29 games and 121 plate appearances, the 26-year-old slugger posted a .210 batting average, three home runs, and a .646 OPS. His .222 BABIP hints at some bad luck but also underscores inconsistent contact at the plate. This decline adds more context to the recent Houston Astros IL News regarding his hand inflammation.
For comparison, at this stage last season, Alvarez had already tallied seven home runs and a .807 OPS in 129 plate appearances. The difference is striking. He went 0-for-4 in the series opener in Chicago, a performance that may have foreshadowed the injury now keeping him sidelined.
Lingering Health Questions
Health concerns have slowed Alvarez’s momentum before. Last season, he missed the final six regular-season games due to a knee contusion. Though he returned in time for the postseason, he was limited to designated hitter duties.
During Spring Training this year, Alvarez told the Houston Chronicle that he felt “fully healthy” and ready for a bounce-back season. Yet, barely a month into the 2025 campaign, he deals with another physical setback.
Salazar’s Opportunity and What It Means for the Lineup
In a corresponding move, the Astros recalled catcher César Salazar from Triple-A. Salazar is no stranger to big-league action—he appeared in 12 games last season, impressing with a .320 average and .787 OPS. He also caught Spencer Arrighetti’s standout seven-inning, 10-strikeout match, showcasing his reliability behind the plate.
With Salazar added, Yainer Diaz and Victor Caratini could see increased chances to serve as designated hitters while Alvarez recovers. This flexibility could give the Astros an offensive spark, particularly if Diaz’s bat heats up.
Transitioning Forward Without Their Star
Although Alvarez’s absence is a blow, the Astros are no strangers to adversity. Despite frequent injuries in recent years, the team has consistently managed to remain competitive throughout. The team will rely on players like Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman to shoulder more of the offensive load.
Moreover, the team’s decision to act quickly by placing Alvarez on the injured list suggests a proactive mindset. Instead of letting the soreness linger and potentially worsen, they opted to get ahead of the issue. If Alvarez’s condition improves within the next week, fans can expect him back in the lineup shortly after his 10-day IL stint ends.
What’s Next for Houston?
The Astros will monitor Alvarez closely, while fans remain hopeful his IL stint is brief and not the start of lasting trouble. As for Salazar, he’ll look to make the most of his second big-league opportunity.
In the meantime, the team needs to rediscover its rhythm without one of its biggest bats.
Houston needs offense—whether from Diaz, Caratini, or a surprise contributor—to stay competitive in the tough American League West.
Final Thoughts
Yordan Alvarez’s injury hits hard as the Astros continue searching for momentum during a challenging start to the 2025 season. While the slugger’s slow start raised concerns, the injury now adds another layer of uncertainty.
However, with smart roster moves and depth to lean on, the Astros are equipped to weather the storm—at least for now.