The Houston Astros’ depth will be seriously tested this final week before the All-Star break. Versatility man Yordan Álvarez is on the 10-Day Injured List with right-hand inflammation. Jose Siri was recalled from Triple-A Sugar Land to take his place on the active roster. Álvarez joins Michael Brantley as key pieces of the Astros lineup currently on the IL.
The Astros placed OF Yordan Alvarez (right hand inflammation) on the 10-day IL, to take his place on the roster OF Jose Siri was recalled from Triple A Sugar Land. https://t.co/MvFSlsQbbW
— Houston Astros (@astros) July 10, 2022
Álvarez Out
Houston will be without Álvarez for the second time this season. He missed some time earlier in the season with a right-hand injury, and it appears the issue has flared up again. The slugger will be out at least through the All-Star break; however, Álvarez will be eligible to return from the IL when games begin again on July 21. The Astros begin the second half of the season with a doubleheader against the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park. The two teams have already had some great games this season.
Houston will be without a star putting together an MVP-caliber season for at least a week. This season, Álvarez has arguably been the best hitter in the AL. The 25-year-old entered Sunday slashing .306/.405/.653 with 26 home runs and 60 RBI. Furthermore, his .653 slugging percentage and 1.058 OPS lead all of baseball. His 4.2 WAR leads AL position players according to Baseball-Reference. While Álvarez is primarily a DH, he has appeared in 33 games this year in left field and improved defensively.
Brantley Update
Brantley has been on the IL since late June with right shoulder discomfort. It does not appear that he will be returning soon. According to Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle, the veteran has not yet begun swinging again. Brantley was eligible to be activated on July 7 but has not progressed as the team had hoped. With such a big lead in the division, the Astros will likely take it slow with the outfielder. There is still not a concrete timetable for Brantley’s return.
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Players Mentioned:
Yordan Alvarez, Jose Siri, Michael Brantley
