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 have faced a significant setback with superstar Yordan Alvarez, who reported hand soreness after a workout in West Palm Beach. This news comes as he was nearing a return to the lineup, having previously shown promise during his recovery. Alvarez's situation is particularly troubling for the Astros as he is a three-time All-Star and a key player in their offensive lineup.

Before his injury this season, Alvarez was struggling at the plate, hitting only .210 with three home runs across 100 at-bats. His OPS dipped significantly, indicating his offensive struggles. The Astros, sitting atop the AL West, now have to reconsider their offensive strategy, especially with the recent loss of Jeremy Peña due to injury.

The Houston Astros face a significant setback as star shortstop Jeremy Peña has been placed on the injured list with a fractured rib. Peña sustained the injury during a game against the Chicago Cubs, where he was hit by a pitch. Up until this point, he was enjoying a stellar season, boasting a .322 batting average along with 11 home runs and 40 RBIs. His impressive performance has him among the league's elite, ranking second in bWAR. The Astros are currently leading the American League West by a comfortable margin.

While Peña recovers, Mauricio Dubón has stepped in as the starting shortstop for the Astros. Peña's absence raises questions about how the team will adjust, especially given their strong record and position in the playoffs. As the season progresses, the Astros will need to navigate this challenge effectively to maintain their edge in the division.

Jeremy Peña, the Houston Astros' shortstop, has had a stellar season, batting .322 with 11 home runs and 15 stolen bases. However, his momentum suffered a significant setback after suffering a rib injury during a recent game against the Chicago Cubs, which has resulted in a fracture and a 10-day injured list stint.

Despite this unfortunate news, Peña's performance this season has reinforced his status as a rising star in Major League Baseball. As the Astros continue to lead the AL West, Peña's absence will be felt, especially considering the invaluable contributions he made during their 2022 championship run. Astros management has expressed a commitment to retaining Peña long-term, anticipating he will play a critical role as the team looks ahead.