Yordan Alvarez is set to begin a minor-league rehab assignment on Tuesday, reporting to Double-A Corpus Christi as the designated hitter. The plan calls for a few rehab games before he rejoins the Astros, offering a potential jolt to a lineup that has missed its slugger since May. The return would come as Houston eyes a tighter grip in the AL West.

Alvarez’s injury saga began May 2 with a right-hand issue, later revealed to include a fracture after live batting practice. A protracted recovery included setbacks from inflammation and injections, with swing work resuming gradually. He participated in live at-bats at the Astros’ West Palm Beach facility and reappeared in Houston as he pressed toward rehab play.

The team also has Meyers and Paredes sidelined, increasing Alvarez’s eventual impact on the lineup. Meyers is building up to rehab, not far behind Alvarez, while Paredes has been out with an injury. Houston hopes Alvarez’s return, along with a healthy lineup, can sustain a late-season push in a competitive division race.

For fantasy managers, Alvarez’s ramp could unlock a clearer path to productive at-bats and run production, potentially reshaping the Astros’ top-to-bottom lineup order. Monitor the pace of his rehab and the team’s veteran presences as the season approaches its stretch run.