Astros’ Alvarez Faces New Setback in Hand Recovery

Houston Astros star Yordan Alvarez has suffered a setback in his recovery from a fractured right hand, experiencing renewed soreness after taking swings during a rehab session in Florida. Initially expected to return as soon as this weekend, Alvarez is now shut down from all baseball activities and will consult a specialist for further evaluation, with more information on his status expected within 48 hours. The injury, originally misdiagnosed as a muscle strain, has sidelined Alvarez since early May and now clouds his timeline for return. General manager Dana Brown emphasized prioritizing Alvarez's health, stating the team will not rush his comeback. Despite absences of Alvarez and other key players like Jeremy Peña, the Astros lead the AL West by six games, though Alvarez’s continued absence raises concerns about their championship hopes. Alvarez had been struggling at the plate prior to injury, posting career-low numbers, but the team remains optimistic about his eventual recovery.