Yordan Alvarez, the Houston Astros' star slugger, is making strides in his recovery from a right hand fracture, as he swung a bat on Sunday for the first time since early May. Manager Joe Espada shared that Alvarez felt good while hitting and will continue to progress with additional batting sessions. However, the team has not decided if he will embark on a minor league rehab assignment prior to his activation.

In other injury news, right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. successfully threw off a mound, while outfielder Zach Dezenzo remains sidelined. Several other players, including Chas McCormick, Jacob Melton, and Brendan Rodgers, are also working through hitting and throwing progressions. As the season progresses, the health of these players will be crucial for the Astros' playoff aspirations.

Zach Dezenzo, an exciting rookie for the Houston Astros, has been diagnosed with a "capsule sprain" in his left hand, which will keep him out of action for at least two weeks. Dezenzo felt discomfort during a recent game against the Tampa Bay Rays, leading to his exit after two at-bats and subsequent placement on the injured list. With a .245 batting average this season, Dezenzo has been a reliable option in both corner outfield positions for the Astros, making this injury a significant setback for the team.

In addition to Dezenzo's injury, the Astros will be without starter Ronel Blanco, who is set to undergo Tommy John surgery, effectively sidelining him for the remainder of the season. Blanco's absence will be felt in the Astros' pitching rotation, adding pressure on the remaining starters to step up in his absence.

The Houston Astros have made a significant move by calling up top prospect Jacob Melton from Triple-A ahead of their series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays. This decision comes following the placement of outfielder Zach Dezenzo, who suffered a hand injury, on the 10-day injured list.

Melton, who has been performing impressively, batted .254 with two home runs in 17 games in Triple-A this season. With the absence of star player Yordan Alvarez, who has a fracture in his right hand, Melton's addition could provide a crucial boost to the Astros' lineup.

Manager Joe Espada expressed optimism about Melton's potential, stating that he plans to find him opportunities to contribute in various roles. The Astros face challenges with injuries but also have other outfielders performing well, setting the stage for an exciting time in Houston.

In a recent game against the Rays, Astros outfielder Zach Dezenzo was pulled due to discomfort in his left hand, causing concern for both the team and fantasy owners. Dezenzo reported soreness after two at-bats, where he managed a single among the Astros' 16-3 loss. The rookie, who has previously battled hand issues, will undergo imaging to determine the severity of his current condition. The Astros are also dealing with injuries to Chas McCormick and Yordan Alvarez, creating potential depth issues in their outfield.

This week’s fantasy baseball waiver wire highlights key players making a strong case for roster spots. Starting pitcher A.J. Smith-Shawver of the Atlanta Braves is trending after an impressive outing, offering significant upside despite control concerns. Meanwhile, Javier Báez of the Detroit Tigers has shown resurgence with a solid slugging percentage. Tyler Stephenson returns for the Cincinnati Reds, adding depth at catcher, while Gunnar Hoglund looks to establish himself with the Athletics following a debut win. Hyeseong Kim, freshly called up by the Dodgers, is making an immediate impact with speed at the plate.

On the deeper league front, Dane Myers of the Marlins and Daniel Schneeman from the Guardians are making noise with strong offensive performances. Zach Dezenzo is stepping up for the Astros in the absence of Yordan Alvarez. Lastly, Zach Agnos from the Rockies has emerged as a potential closer despite the team's struggles. Make sure to keep an eye on these names as we progress through the season!