Yordan Álvarez returns to the Houston Astros lineup

After missing nearly four months and 100 games due to a fractured right hand, Cuban slugger Yordan Álvarez is officially back in action for the Houston Astros.

The team reinstated him from the 60-day injured list on Tuesday, August 26, and wasted no time slotting him into the starting lineup—batting cleanup and playing left field against the Colorado Rockies.

Álvarez’s 2025 campaign was derailed early. He played just 29 games before the injury struck on May 2, posting a .210 batting average with 3 home runs and 18 RBIs.

Despite drawing 16 walks, he struck out 21 times and never found his usual rhythm at the plate.

How did the Astros fare without Yordan Álvarez?

When Álvarez went down, Houston was 16–15 and sitting third in the AL West. In his absence, the team went 56–44, climbing to a 72–59 record and overtaking the Seattle Mariners for first place in the division. That resilience sets the stage for a high-stakes stretch run—and Álvarez’s return could be the X-factor.

With Álvarez back, the Astros now boast a fearsome core featuring José Altuve, Carlos Correa (who rejoined the team at the trade deadline), Jeremy Peña, and Ramón Urías. If Álvarez can rediscover his power stroke—he entered 2025 with four straight 30-homer seasons—Houston’s offense could become one of the most dangerous in baseball.

The Astros kick off a nine-game homestand at Daikin Park, starting with the Rockies, followed by matchups against the Angels and Yankees.

With just 31 games left in the regular season, every at-bat counts. Álvarez may not reach his usual home run totals this year, but his presence alone could tilt the playoff race in Houston’s favor.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.