Even as the Houston Astros hold first place in the American League West, the absence of slugger Yordan Álvarez looms large. With the trade deadline just weeks away and the Seattle Mariners chasing, Houston’s resilience is being tested.
The Astros have managed to stay ahead despite injuries, but as the season stretches toward the fall, the team will need its stars and supporting cast to step up. Álvarez’s return could be the difference between holding on and pulling away in a tight division race.
Houston Astros Provide Update on Yordan Álvarez
When Álvarez steps to the plate, the ball jumps off his bat. Known for tape-measure home runs, the 28-year-old stands out at 6’4” and 237 pounds, bringing both power and plate discipline to the heart of Houston’s order.
His career .295 batting average and .387 on-base percentage show he can do more than just hit for power. He gets on base and keeps rallies alive. Álvarez last played on May 2, sidelined by a broken right hand that has kept him out for two months.
Álvarez’s absence is felt every day in Houston’s lineup. The Astros have maintained their lead in the division, but the margin could be wider if not for the loss of their best power threat. As the team approaches the All-Star break, the urgency for his return grows.
Recently, Houston beat writer Brian McTaggart from MLB.com shared an update from the front office on Álvarez’s status:
Astros’ update on Alvarez pic.twitter.com/aNWbwsPmJ4
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) July 3, 2025
According to the update, Álvarez and the Astros received encouraging news from a hand specialist who examined his sore right hand on Wednesday. Additional imaging revealed that the main source of his pain is inflammation, not the small fracture that initially sidelined him.
The update also provided insight to the fact that Álvarez received two injections in his injured hand, and that he will “refrain from any activity involving the hand in the upcoming days.”
This news comes as the trade deadline approaches and the Astros look to maintain their lead over Seattle. The Mariners are closing the gap, and with Houston having played more home games early in the season, the schedule could become less favorable down the stretch. A seven-game lead is significant, but baseball history is full of examples where large leads have evaporated quickly.
Álvarez’s impact goes beyond his bat. He is seen as a potential leader for a team that has relied on veteran presence and chemistry to win championships. Second baseman Jose Altuve remains the heart and soul of the Astros, but at 35, his future is uncertain. Álvarez is viewed as someone who could help fill the leadership void when the time comes.
With the Astros unlikely to make a big splash at the trade deadline, Álvarez’s health is even more critical. If inflammation is the only remaining issue, he could return shortly after the All-Star break. Whether he can get back to game shape and help Houston widen its lead in the American League West remains to be seen, but his presence would certainly make a difference in the push for the postseason.