Major League Baseball team, the Astros, have activated Isaac Paredes and moved Yordan Alvarez to the injured list.
The Houston Astros are set for a pivotal weekend series against the Seattle Mariners, with the outcome poised to dictate their AL West standing. However, the team faces a significant hurdle following the injury to their star player, Yordan Alvarez.
In Monday's game against the Texas Rangers, Alvarez sustained a left ankle sprain after a throwing error by Rangers pitcher Jack Leiter on Carlos Correa's infield single in the first inning. The injury is considered 'pretty significant' and is expected to keep him out for an extended period.
Alvarez was attended to by an athletic trainer outside the Astros' dugout and helped down the steps after his injury. The 26-year-old slugger has been limited to 48 games this season due to a broken right hand, and this latest setback is a significant blow for the Astros.
Prior to his injury, Alvarez had a batting average of .273 this season with 6 home runs and 27 RBIs. His absence will undoubtedly be felt in the Astros' lineup, especially considering the team's tight race with the Mariners in the AL West.
Fortunately for the Astros, they have received some positive news on the injury front. Infielder Isaac Paredes was activated from the injured list before the game against the Mariners on Friday evening. Paredes, who sustained a right hamstring strain on July 19, began running, doing fielding work, and hitting at the beginning of September.
Before his injury, Paredes was hitting .259 with 19 home runs and 50 RBIs this season. His return will provide a much-needed boost to the Astros' offense as they look to navigate the remainder of the season without Alvarez.
The Astros and Mariners have already split their season series 5-5 so far this season. The two teams are currently tied atop the AL West, making this weekend's series even more important.
In addition to the injuries to Alvarez and Paredes, the Astros also transferred right-handed pitcher Kaleb Ort to the 60-day injured list. The team will need to rely on their depth and resilience to overcome these challenges and secure a playoff spot.
As the Astros and Mariners prepare for their crucial weekend series, the focus will be on how the team can adapt without Alvarez in the lineup. The Astros will undoubtedly miss his bat, but with Paredes returning and the team's strong pitching staff, they remain optimistic about their chances.
