Sat May 31 20:10:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez, previously sidelined with a strained right hand, will be out longer than expected. New imaging revealed a small fracture in his hand, despite initial improvement in the strained muscle. Alvarez had been feeling discomfort, leading to the discovery. There’s no timetable for his return. The Astros also placed outfielder Chas McCormick on the injured list with a strained oblique and recalled Shay Whitcomb. The team is currently in first place in the AL West.

**News Article:**

**Astros’ Yordan Alvarez Setback: Fracture Discovered in Hand**

HOUSTON – The Houston Astros received disappointing news Saturday as slugger Yordan Alvarez will face an extended absence after a new diagnosis revealed a small fracture in his right hand. General Manager Dana Brown announced the setback ahead of Saturday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Alvarez had been on the injured list since May 3rd with what was initially diagnosed as a strained muscle in the same hand.

According to Brown, the fracture is already 60% healed and was discovered after Alvarez felt lingering discomfort following a batting practice session on Friday, prompting precautionary imaging. The team believes the fracture may have occurred as Alvarez attempted to play through the initial hand strain.

“Obviously, going onto the field, it’s been a little bit frustrating being on the IL because of my hand,” Alvarez said on Thursday, before the broken bone was discovered. “It’s not a secret how difficult it is as a hitter to be dealing with hand pain.”

Alvarez, 27, was struggling to start the season, batting .210 with three home runs. It is thought that these struggles were due to his injury, as he has a .295 career batting average with 41 home runs per 162 games.

No timetable has been set for Alvarez’s return to the lineup.

Compounding the Astros’ injury woes, outfielder Chas McCormick was also placed on the injured list with a strained left oblique. Utility player Shay Whitcomb has been recalled to fill McCormick’s roster spot.

Despite the injuries, the Astros entered Saturday’s game with a 31-26 record, leading the American League West by a half-game over the Seattle Mariners.

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