NEXT MAN UP

How latest injury update on Yordan Alvarez impacts Houston Astros moving forward

Yordan Alvarez Astros
Yordan Alvarez could miss a month. Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images.
More bad news for the Astros, Yordan Alvarez

When it comes to injuries, the Houston Astros have already dealt with a boatload of them so far this season. Lance McCullers has yet to pitch for the team and suffered a setback that has him shutdown currently. Luis Garcia is out for the year (Tommy John) and Jose Urquidy is still working his way back from shoulder discomfort.

The offense was without Jose Altuve for a big chunk of the year, and Michael Brantley's shoulder has kept him from appearing so far this season. And somehow the Astros are sitting at 38-29, still in striking distance of first place in the division. However, things just got tougher for the 'Stros as Yordan Alvarez's oblique injury could keep him out for a month.

Houston GM Dana Brown joined the Astros flagship station on Wednesday and said it could be four weeks before Alvarez is ready to return to game action.

If Yordan is feeling better in three weeks, it could take him a week or so to ramp up and get back to the field. This is very disappointing news for the team, as the offense has been the weak link this season, despite so many injuries to the pitching staff.

The Astros are currently 18th in OPS (.717) and 1st in team ERA (3.28). Losing Yordan for a month is a big blow to this team. Hopefully the bats can continue to improve as the team awaits the return of Yordan and possibly, at some point, Michael Brantley.

The Astros need to make some hay in June against some lesser teams in the National League. They are currently playing the Nationals, with the Reds and Mets coming to Minute Maid next. All three teams are under .500.

The Astros finish off the month against the Dodgers (38-29) and the bottom dwelling Cardinals (27-41). Then the Astros head to Arlington for a critical four game series against the Texas Rangers. Houston is currently 3 1/2 games behind the Rangers.

If the Astros are unable to make up some ground on the Rangers over the next few weeks, a series loss could be a serious blow to the Astros' chances of winning the AL West.

Hopefully, with Altuve in the fold and Jose Abreu starting to come to life, the Astros can stay afloat as they wait on the return of slugger Yordan Alvarez.

Most Popular

SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome

Listen Live

ESPN Houston 97.5 FM
The Tucker trade is already paying huge dividends. Composite Getty Image.

It’s starting to look like the Astros knew exactly what they were doing.

What once felt like a risky move is quickly shaping up to be a win for Houston — and maybe a defining pivot point for the franchise. In this episode, we dig into how the Astros may actually be better off in the wake of the Kyle Tucker trade, thanks to a new wave of production and smart roster-building.

Cam Smith continues to rise with another eye-catching performance, launching two home runs and making the case that he’s already ahead of schedule. Meanwhile, Isaac Paredes has quietly emerged as a legitimate successor to Alex Bregman, offering power and presence in the infield.

And while Jeremy Peña wasn’t part of the Tucker deal, his 2024 resurgence adds even more fuel to the argument that this team is thriving — not surviving. The Astros aren’t just plugging holes. They’re planning for what’s next.

We also look at the bigger picture: What if Houston had moved on earlier from other aging or underperforming stars? Could they have been ahead of the curve even sooner?

So who’s really winning this breakup — the Astros or Kyle Tucker? We break it all down.

___________________________

Looking to get the word out about your business, products, or services? Consider advertising on SportsMap! It's a great way to get in front of Houston sports fans. Click the link below for more information!

https://houston.sportsmap.com/advertise

SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome