Astros OF/DH Yordan Alvarez is slated to make his Grapefruit League debut Thursday, but his status for opening day remains in doubt because of a hand ailment.
Houston Astros outfielder Yordan Alvarez will make Grapefruit League debut on Thursday after being slowed by sore hand.WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Yordan Alvarez is scheduled to make his Grapefruit League debut Thursday night against the Washington Nationals, manager Dusty Baker said Tuesday, but it does not guarantee Houston’s slugger will be ready for opening day.
Alvarez did not swing a bat for the first month of camp after reporting some left hand soreness upon arrival. He is back to taking batting practice on the field, but has not faced live pitching since Game 6 of the World Series last November. After Thursday, Houston has just three Grapefruit League games remaining before departing Florida. The team does play two exhibitions against the Class AAA Sugar Land Skeeters next week prior to opening day.
Given how careful the Astros have been with Alvarez so far — his schedule has rarely included hitting on back-to-back days — it’s worth wondering if he’ll have enough at-bats to be ready for the March 30 regular-season opener. Alvarez has said he still plans to play on opening day, but Baker did not commit to it Tuesday.
“We don’t know yet,” Baker said. “We hope so and he’s hoping so. Hopefully we’ve done it right with him and by him. He knows himself better than anybody.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Yordan Alvarez to make Grapefruit League debut but status for opener remains unclearAstros OF/DH hasn't faced live pitching since Game 6 of World Series in November and has...
Read more »
If Mancini replaces Suzuki in right field, do Cubs go with Mervis at DH?If Trey Mancini replaces Seiya Suzuki in right field, do Cubs go with Matt Mervis at DH?
Read more »
Astros' Jose Altuve has broken right thumb, needs surgeryHouston Astros star Jose Altuve has a broken right thumb and needs surgery after getting hurt in Venezuela's 9-7 quarterfinal loss to the United States at the World Baseball Classic.
Read more »
Four questions the Astros must answer with Jose Altuve sidelinedWith the season starting in less than two weeks, Dusty Baker likely faces at least two...
Read more »
Astros' Altuve suffers broken thumb at World Baseball ClassicHouston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve will have surgery in the 'upcoming days' for a fractured right thumb suffered when he was hit by a pitch during a World Baseball Classic game, the World Series champions said on Sunday.
Read more »
Houston Astros to host 'Gold Rush' event on Wednesday with exclusive gold merchHOUSTON ASTROS: 'Gold Rush' event on Wednesday to feature exclusive merch
Read more »