Astros’ Yordan Alvarez activated, will start one game of Yankees doubleheader

The Astros reactivated Yordan Alvarez from the injured list Thursday in time for the slugger to play in one of two doubleheader games against the Yankees at Minute Maid Park. 

Alvarez was not in the lineup for the first game but was set to start at designated hitter in the second. Right hand inflammation sidelined the slugger from Houston’s past seven games leading into the All-Star break and from the All-Star Game itself, to which Alvarez was selected as a reserve. 

Alvarez’s right hand has ailed him since June, when he missed a game against the White Sox and another against the Yankees. Pain resumed and forced him to go on the injured list July 10. 

On Thursday, Alvarez said that although he was unsure what exactly caused the injury, the Astros determined there were no fractures to his hand. 

“I don’t feel any pain when I’m up there swinging,” he said through an interpreter. “I’m not really worried about it at the moment. And this is a situation that we’re very cautious about and feel pretty good.” 

During the All-Star break, Alvarez remained in Houston and worked with Astros trainers. He said he watched a portion of the Midsummer Classic on TV. 

“Definitely a little bit disappointing not being able to go, being my first time being chosen for the All-Star game, but I also knew that I needed to get healthier for the rest of the season,” he said. “Definitely a little bit disappointing not to be able to have that experience.” 

The Astros optioned outfielder Jose Siri back to Class AAA Sugar Land as the corresponding move for Alvarez’s activation. 

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