Astros All-Star Will Return in Spring Training Soon
Yordan Alvarez, the designated hitter and outfielder, did not participate in the game. Following the team’s victory over the Nationals, manager Joe Espada disclosed that Alvarez would not play again until Tuesday’s game in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The good news is that, according to Espada, The Athletic reports that Alvarez’s Tuesday debut has always been the plan. He is not hurt, and the Astros’ schedule may be a factor in their decision to hold him out.
On Sunday, Houston will play a split-squad game; the Astros will host St. Louis and travel to Port St. Lucie to play the New York Mets. Houston travels to Lakeland on Monday to play the Detroit Tigers.
Because of his status on the team, Alvarez’s spot in the batting order is similarly predetermined, regardless of whether he bats at the designated hitter or in the outfield. Younger players might get more playing time by waiting a few more days before taking their initial swings in a live game.
In recent seasons, he has been among the Astros’ most prolific batters. Alvarez played in just 114 games due to injuries last season, but he still produced impressive power numbers: 31 home runs, 97 RBI, and a slash line of.293/.407/.583/.990.
Alvarez currently has 129 career home runs and has hit at least 30 home runs in each of his last three seasons.
The Astros want to keep him healthy so that he can contribute when the regular season begins on March 28 against the New York Yankees.