The Houston Astros are heating up at just the right time. They have won five in a row and eight of their last ten to move to 41-30 on the season. But even with the wins stacking up, there’s still a giant hole in the heart of their lineup caused by the absence of Yordan Álvarez.
What Is the Latest Update About Yordan Álvarez’s Health?
Álvarez, one of the most feared hitters in the league when healthy, hasn’t played since May 2, after suffering an injury to his right hand. On May 30, an MRI confirmed a fracture that hadn’t been discovered previously. Álvarez has not been involved in hitting activities but has been doing other baseball activities.
Astros GM Dana Brown offered a glimmer of hope about the situation on Sunday. Brown said Álvarez is about “80% healed” and is currently pain-free. When asked about a possible return to swinging, he replied, “Maybe in a few days.” It’s vague, but it seems encouraging. However, fans are worried since the three-time All-Star was expected to return earlier but the discovery of the fracture has now set him back further.
Dana Brown says Yordan is 80% healed with no pain, says “maybe in a few days” in regard to swinging a bat again.
— Jeremy Branham (@JeremyBranham) June 15, 2025
The Astros are winning, and there is no reason to hurry the star back. Álvarez has the time he needs to heal properly because the team has been playing good baseball. They have shown that they are capable of persevering through hardship. Houston hasn’t batted an eye even though they lost over six pitchers to the injured list. They have relied on tenacity, depth, and a “next man up” mentality, and it has served them well.
Even so, the idea of the former World Series champion is a game-changer. His .210 average, three home runs, 18 RBIs, and .646 OPS this season don’t really represent him. Yordan’s contributions are well known both inside and outside of that clubhouse. Just his existence changes the way managers run their teams, how lineups are put together, and how rival teams pitch.
If Alvarez recovers, Houston has the potential to continue their recent success. The Astros will need all the firepower they can muster if they hope to make another deep October run because the AL is no walk in the park. The front staff is also aware of this, so expect the Astros to be active as the trade deadline approaches. There are likely to be reinforcements in the short term, both on the trade market and, ideally, when No. 44 returns to the box.