The Houston Astros are in a fierce competitors for each an American League playoff spot in addition to a possible American League West crown. If they’re going to get one, or each, they’re doubtless going to have to take action with out certainly one of their greatest and most impactful hitters for a major a part of the remaining regular-season schedule.
Yordan Alvarez sidelined once more
Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez goes to be sidelined for “some time” as a result of a major left ankle sprain, supervisor Joe Espada introduced on Tuesday.
Alvarez was injured whereas crossing house plate and will doubtlessly miss the rest of the common season.
“That is going to maintain him out for some time,” Espada stated, via ESPN. “Let’s not get into days, weeks, any of that. We’re going to take in the future at a time, however that is going to take a while to heal.”
The phrases “some time” and “it is going to take a while” usually are not precisely encouraging for the Astros, as a result of there are solely two weeks remaining within the common season. It is also irritating for the Astros as a result of Alvarez has already missed greater than 100 video games this season as a result of a fractured proper hand. When he has performed this season, he’s hitting .273 with six house runs and 27 RBI in 48 video games. He additionally has a .797 OPS.
When wholesome, Alvarez is likely one of the league’s elite left-handed energy hitters and hit at the very least 30 house runs in every of the previous 4 seasons. He additionally owns a .961 OPS for his profession, which is an MVP-level of manufacturing on the plate.
For pretty much as good as he has been within the common season, he has additionally been a monster within the playoffs all through his profession with a .944 profession OPS within the postseason.
AL West continues to be inside attain for Astros
If there’s a silver lining on this for the Astros it’s the truth they haven’t had Alvarez for many of the season and nonetheless managed to hold within the playoff race. It will simply make their quest to clinch a spot lots simpler if he had been there over the subsequent couple of weeks.
Getting into play on Tuesday, Houston trailed the Seattle Mariners by half a recreation within the American League West race. The 2 groups play a three-game sequence this weekend in Houston.
The Astros additionally owned the third and remaining wild-card spot within the American League, holding a three-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians. A playoff spot ought to nonetheless be safe, however the division is sort of definitely what they need.
