Yordan Alvarez DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Houston Astros outfielder Yordan Alvarez (hand) underwent further imaging on his injured hand, which revealed a fracture. However, Chandler Rome of The Athletic noted that the fracture is 60 percent healed and that the team hopes the slugger can return to action in "the near future." Fantasy managers should continue to keep a close eye on his status, as it appeared the 27-year-old was nearing a return as he took live batting practice on Friday. However, Alvarez will now have to wait until the fracture has completely healed. Before his injury, Alvarez posted a .210/.306/.340 line with three home runs. However, under the hood, he generated an elite .363 xwOBA with a 94.0 mph average exit velocity. While he remains sidelined, the Astros will likely have several players operate as the DH. This will likely open more opportunities for either Yainer Diaz or Victor Caratini to see playing time when they are not catching.

Despite looking excellent in batting practice before Friday's contest against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays at Daikin Park, Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (hand) remains on the 10-day injured list and is not in the starting lineup. Zach Dezenzo is serving as the DH and is batting eighth against Rays right-hander Ryan Pepiot. A report surfaced recently that Alvarez is getting close to returning from the IL and won't require a minor-league rehab assignment, but he won't be back as of Friday. When the three-time All-Star does return, playing time will be harder to come by for Dezenzo, who is batting .237 (22-for-93) with two homers and 10 RBI on the year. Alvarez has been dealing with a strained muscle on the top of his hand, which is likely responsible for his poor start to the season. The left-handed Cuban slugger could easily bounce back with better health the rest of the way.

The Houston Astros are bringing in minor-league pitchers to face designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (hand) on Friday before the team's contest at Daikin Park against the Tampa Bay Rays, according to manager Joe Espada. "That means that, once he's ready, we're not going to need a rehab assignment. That will be his way to check that box and be ready for games," Espada said. The Astros have been vague about Alvarez's potential timeline for a return from a muscle strain in his hand, but this news means that the 27-year-old All-Star could potentially rejoin the team as soon as early next week, depending on how he responds to facing live hitting. The Cuban slugger hasn't played since May 5, though, so don't be surprised if the Astros ease him back into the lineup when he comes off the injured list. Alvarez's hand injury likely contributed to his slow start (.210 average, three homers in 100 at-bats).