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.

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.

Yordan Alvarez has been a cornerstone for the Houston Astros since his debut in 2019, showcasing his status as a premier power hitter. The former AL Rookie of the Year and three-time All-Star has delivered significant postseason performances, including a .522 batting average during the 2021 ALCS. However, his 2025 season has been marred by injury, sidelining him since May 3 with a fractured right hand. Astros GM Dana Brown is hopeful for a return during the team's next homestand, possibly even before, indicating Alvarez's crucial role in securing another AL West title. His past season highlighted offensive dominance with a .308 average and 35 homers, making his potential comeback vital for Houston's postseason aspirations.