During Monday night’s game opposing the Texas Rangers (GameTracker), Houston Astros outfielder Yordan Alvarez was removed following an ankle twist while reaching home plate during the first inning’s bottom half. Alvarez, who scored due to a throwing miscue by Rangers pitcher Jack Leiter, giving the Astros an initial 2-0 advantage, appeared to have his left foot slip upon touching the plate.
Alvarez then required support to halt his progression beyond the Astros dugout and visibly struggled as he descended the steps into Houston’s clubhouse.
According to Baseball Prospectus’ records, athletes typically spend approximately 30 days recovering from an ankle sprain. As each injury and recovery differs, it remains uncertain if Alvarez will conform to this estimated duration.
Following Alvarez’s exit, the Astros reassigned starting right fielder Jesús Sánchez to left field at the start of the second inning. Additionally, rookie Zach Cole was brought in to fill the void in right field.
Alvarez, aged 28, previously reached base via a walk. Prior to Monday’s game, he had a batting average of .273, a .364 on-base percentage, and a .430 slugging percentage (119 OPS+) with six home runs across 47 games. Alvarez had been sidelined for over three months due to a hand ailment. Upon his return, he recorded a 1.024 OPS in 18 games.
The Astros and Rangers commenced a three-game series on Monday with significant implications for playoff qualification. The Astros hold a two-game advantage over the Rangers for the American League West’s second position and the AL’s third and ultimate wild card berth. The Rangers lead the seasonal series 6-4, necessitating an Astros sweep to secure the tiebreaker.
It’s important to acknowledge that the Astros and Rangers aren’t the only contenders vying for the final wild card position. The Cleveland Guardians are just a half-game behind the Rangers and trail the Astros by 2 ½ games.
