Yordan Álvarez suffers fractured hand

The Houston Astros were expecting designated hitter Yordan Álvarez to return to the lineup in the coming days — but those plans are now on hold. Prior to Game 2 of the series against the Tampa Bay Rays, general manager Dana Brown revealed that the Cuban slugger has a fracture in his right hand.

Brown said the injury became visible only after the swelling went down. Álvarez had participated in a batting practice session on Thursday but experienced discomfort, prompting an X-ray that confirmed the fracture. The good news: the hand is already about 60 percent healed and, according to Brown, will not require surgery.

A three-time All-Star, Álvarez has been sidelined since May 2, and his return now looks further away. In 29 games this season, he hit .210 with three home runs and 18 RBIs, tallying 21 hits in 100 at-bats. He has also struck out 21 times, more than his 16 walks.

Astros’ DH shuffle continues without Álvarez

Manager Joe Espada has rotated several players through the designated hitter spot since Álvarez went down, including José Altuve, Yainer Díaz, Victor Caratini, Zach Dezenzo, Chas McCormick, Brendan Rodgers, and Isaac Paredes.

With Álvarez sidelined longer than initially expected, the Astros’ batting order is likely to remain unchanged for the time being, with Jeremy Peña leading off, followed by Paredes and Altuve in the two and three spots.

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