The Houston Astros are facing a setback with Yordan Alvarez as he experiences renewed soreness in his right hand, originally fractured earlier this season. General manager Dana Brown announced that Alvarez will pause his recovery attempts and consult another specialist for further imaging. Alvarez had just begun facing live pitching after a long recovery process but reported discomfort, prompting caution from the team, which sits well above .500.

The Astros are currently managing a strong season at 50-34, holding a six-game lead in the AL West, which allows them to take a cautious approach with their star slugger. Alvarez's absence has intensified the team's need for a left-handed hitter, with Brown citing this as a priority before the trade deadline.