Yordan Alvarez Injury Update: Astros Slugger Shut Down Indefinitely With Hand Issues

By Oliver Wiener July 04, 2025 07:42

Houston Astros star slugger Yordan Alvarez has suffered a significant setback in his recovery from a fractured right hand, leading to an indefinite shutdown from baseball activities as the team awaits further evaluation from a hand specialist. The 28-year-old designated hitter, known for his prodigious power at the plate, has been sidelined since early May, and recent developments have cast uncertainty over his availability for the remainder of the 2025 season.

Alvarez’s injury saga began in May when he initially reported soreness in his right hand. At first, the Astros diagnosed the issue as a muscle strain, but subsequent imaging revealed a small fracture near the fourth metacarpal the bone connecting the wrist to the ring finger a diagnosis that complicated his rehabilitation timeline. Despite efforts to return, including batting practice sessions at Daikin Park and workouts at the team’s spring training complex in West Palm Beach, Florida, Alvarez experienced renewed pain after taking swings on Monday, July 1, prompting the Astros to halt his rehab and shut him down immediately.

General Manager Dana Brown addressed the media ahead of the Astros’ series opener against the Colorado Rockies, confirming the setback and the plan for Alvarez to see a hand specialist within 48 hours. “It’s a tough time going through this with Yordan,” Brown said. “He’s still feeling pain and soreness in his hand. We’re not going to try to push it or force him through anything. We’re just going to allow him to heal and get a little bit more answers as to what steps we take next.” Brown also acknowledged the possibility of surgery, though he emphasized that it is “too early to tell” and that the team hopes to avoid it.

Alvarez has not played in a Major League game since May 2, and prior to the injury, he was struggling at the plate with a batting line of .210/.306/.340 over 121 plate appearances. Despite the slow start, Alvarez’s reputation as one of baseball’s premier power hitters remains intact. He has hit at least 31 home runs in each of the past four seasons and was a key contributor to the Astros’ 2022 World Series championship. His absence has been felt, but the Astros have managed to maintain a strong record of 34-19 during his time on the injured list, thanks in part to contributions from other players and a deep pitching staff.

Manager Joe Espada expressed optimism about Alvarez’s eventual return but stressed the need for patience. “He is eager to return,” Espada said. “He is doing everything he can to come back. He remains hopeful, and I share that optimism with him. We simply need to be patient, and hopefully, this hand will heal so that we can have him back in our lineup.” The Astros’ leadership is clearly prioritizing Alvarez’s long-term health over a rushed comeback, recognizing his value as a cornerstone of the franchise.

As the Astros prepare for the stretch run of the season, the timing of Alvarez’s return remains uncertain. The team’s medical staff will conduct further imaging and assessments after his specialist consultation, which will guide the next steps in his recovery. For now, the focus is on ensuring that Alvarez heals completely to avoid any chronic issues that could jeopardize his career.

Yordan Alvarez’s injury setback is a significant blow to the Astros’ lineup, but the organization remains hopeful that with careful management and time, their slugger will return to form. As Dana Brown succinctly put it, “Ultimately, his health is the top priority. We will allow him the necessary time to fully recover.” The baseball world will be watching closely as Alvarez navigates this challenging chapter in his career.