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.

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.

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 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.