The Houston Astros are currently leading the American League West with a record of 51-34, enjoying a comfortable seven-game cushion. This impressive run has been achieved despite the absence of their star hitter, Yordan Alvarez, who has been sidelined since early May due to a hand injury. Unfortunately, Alvarez recently suffered a setback that is delaying his return, complicating the Astros' lineup. General Manager Dana Brown emphasized the team's cautious approach regarding Alvarez's recovery, indicating that they will not rush his return.

While Alvarez has been out, the Astros have demonstrated resilience, posting a .536 winning percentage in May and a remarkable 19-7 record in June. This performance has solidified their position at the top of the division. Alvarez's absence is felt deeply; he boasts a career slash line of .295/.387/.573 and has shown a knack for stepping up during crucial games, evidenced by his strong playoff performance. His eventual return is anticipated to provide a significant boost to the already formidable Astros lineup, raising concerns for their competitors in the AL.