Late last month, the Houston Astros got two huge reinforcements from the injured list, as starter Cristian Javier rejoined the rotation and star designated hitter Yordan Alvarez was back in the starting lineup.
Houston fans were excited to see both guys back with the big league club, as they know that for this team to win the AL West and make a deep playoff run, they’ll need everyone to play their part.
The Astros desperately missed Alvarez’s presence in the lineup, who can change the trajectory of a game with one swing of the bat. The 28-year-old slugger was sidelined in May by right-hand inflammation, thanks to a fracture. When he went on the IL, Alvarez was hitting a mediocre .210 with three home runs and RBI. He also had an OPS of .646 with 16 walks but 21 strikeouts.
Since he returned from the injured list and rehab assignment, the veteran power hitter is looking like the Alvarez of old, which is excellent news for the Astros.
Yordan Alvarez Has Hit the Ground Running Since Returning from IL
In his last nine games, the former Rookie of the Year is slashing a ridiculous .500/.595/.786 with two home runs and seven RBI. Alvarez also has an OPS of 1.380 and a .480 BAbip. He’s only struck out twice and has picked up eight walks over this stretch.
In fact, Alvarez has recorded at least two hits in four out of his five games, which includes two great performances against the New York Yankees. On Wednesday night, the Yankees could not keep Alvarez off base, as he went 4-for-5 at the plate with a double and an RBI.
The three-time All-Star followed up that performance with another four-hit outing on Thursday night.
The Astros were on the losing end of the scoreboard, as the Yankees won 8-4. But it was great to see Alvarez hit a double and a home run, as he’s not getting himself out. Since he’s returned from the injured list, the veteran slugger has raised his batting average from .210 to .273.
Eventually, the 28-year-old Alvarez will cool off, or maybe not. The Astros hope that he doesn’t, as they are embroiled in a battle for the AL West crown with the Seattle Mariners. Heading into Friday’s three-game set against the Texas Rangers, the Astros are 3.5 games ahead of Seattle for first place.
The Astros still have a ways to go to clinch their spot in the MLB playoffs, but they can get there quicker if Alvarez keeps up his performance at the plate.