Chas McCormick is set to begin a minor-league rehab assignment as he recovers from an oblique injury that has kept him sidelined since May 29. McCormick will join Triple-A Sugar Land, with manager Joe Espada announcing his participation in games starting Friday. The 28-year-old outfielder sustained the injury during a swing against the Tampa Bay Rays. Before his injury, McCormick had put up a .256 batting average with a .347 on-base percentage and a .302 slugging percentage across 36 games this season.

Meanwhile, shortstop Jeremy Peña is on the 10-day injured list due to a fractured rib, though general manager Dana Brown reported that he is feeling better. Peña has not resumed baseball activities yet, but there’s potential for him to rejoin the team during their upcoming series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Peña's absence has left a gap in the Astros' line-up that fans hope will be filled soon as he has shown significant promise in his young career.

The Houston Astros, despite holding a lead in the AL West, are grappling with a significant injury crisis that has sidelined several key players. Notably, Yordan Alvarez has been moved to the 60-day injured list due to a procedural setback, while Luis Guillorme joins the ranks of the injured after suffering a right hamstring strain. In light of these challenges, the Astros have promoted infielder Zack Short from the minors, a player with a lackluster major league batting average of .167, who seeks to revive his career in Houston.

This season, injuries like Jeremy Pena's fractured rib have highlighted the Astros' depth issues, yet remarkable resilience has kept them competitive. With over ten contributors on the injured list, management faces pressure to make strategic moves as the trade deadline approaches, potentially acquiring reinforcements to bolster their playoff aspirations.

Yordan Alvarez, the Houston Astros' power-hitting outfielder, is facing a setback in his recovery from a broken right hand, as reported by general manager Dana Brown. After expressing continued pain upon arriving at spring training, Alvarez will be evaluated by a specialist before resuming activities. Originally diagnosed with a muscle strain, further imaging revealed a small fracture, sidelining him for nearly two months. Despite previously feeling good and targeting a return against the LA Dodgers, this latest development raises uncertainty about his playing timeline.

In related news, shortstop Jeremy Peña has also been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a fractured rib. The Astros have called up Shay Whitcomb from Triple-A Sugar Land to fill the gap as they navigate these injuries at a crucial juncture in the season.

Yordan Alvarez, the Houston Astros' powerful outfielder, is facing a setback in his recovery from a broken right hand. After reporting pain upon arrival at the Astros' spring training facility, Alvarez will consult a specialist, as the initial diagnosis of a muscle strain evolved into a confirmed fracture after further evaluation. The Astros' management had hoped for a return to action this weekend against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but that timeline is now uncertain.

General Manager Dana Brown emphasized the need for caution, recognizing the importance of letting Alvarez heal rather than pushing him back too soon. This development is particularly concerning given Alvarez's impressive track record, hitting 31 home runs or more in the previous four seasons. Additionally, the Astros have placed shortstop Jeremy Peña on the 10-day injured list with a fractured rib, further testing the team's depth as they navigate injuries early in the season.

The Houston Astros have faced a significant setback with superstar Yordan Alvarez, who reported hand soreness after a workout in West Palm Beach. This news comes as he was nearing a return to the lineup, having previously shown promise during his recovery. Alvarez's situation is particularly troubling for the Astros as he is a three-time All-Star and a key player in their offensive lineup.

Before his injury this season, Alvarez was struggling at the plate, hitting only .210 with three home runs across 100 at-bats. His OPS dipped significantly, indicating his offensive struggles. The Astros, sitting atop the AL West, now have to reconsider their offensive strategy, especially with the recent loss of Jeremy Peña due to injury.