The Houston Astros have received a significant boost regarding the injury status of slugger Yordan Alvarez, with examinations confirming his recent hand pain is due to inflammation rather than a re-aggravation of his previously fractured metacarpal. This encouraging update comes as the Astros face off against the formidable Los Angeles Dodgers in a highly anticipated three-game series at Dodger Stadium.
Alvarez, who has been sidelined since May 2 and was transferred to the 60-day injured list on Wednesday, July 2nd, experienced a setback earlier this week after reporting increased pain following dry swings. An additional MRI exam on Wednesday, July 2nd, revealed the pain was caused by inflammation, not the small fracture of the fourth metacarpal that was diagnosed on May 31st and was reportedly 60 percent healed. Astros General Manager Dana Brown expressed optimism, stating, “We’re encouraged that it’s not related to the fracture. To us, this is good news.” Alvarez received two injections to reduce the inflammation and will refrain from swinging a bat for a few days, with no immediate timetable for his return. Despite his absence, the Astros have maintained a strong performance, boasting a 36-20 record without him and holding a comfortable lead in the American League West, as reported by MLB.com.
Meanwhile, the Astros (52-35) opened their series against the National League-leading Los Angeles Dodgers (56-32) on Friday, July 4th. The Dodgers entered the series on a four-game winning streak and have won nine of their last ten games, including a three-game sweep of the Chicago White Sox. They hold the best home record in baseball at 33-14. The Astros, conversely, have won eight of their last ten, despite a 7-6 loss to the Colorado Rockies in their previous game.
Game 1 of the series saw a pitching matchup between Houston’s Lance McCullers Jr. (1-3, 6.61 ERA) and Los Angeles’ Ben Casparius (6-2, 3.97 ERA). McCullers, making his ninth start and second since returning from a foot sprain, looked to rebound from a challenging outing against the Chicago Cubs where he allowed eight runs in 3 1/3 innings. Historically, McCullers has fared well against the Dodgers, holding a 1-0 record with a 1.02 ERA in three career encounters. Casparius, making his third start of the season, faced the Astros for the first time in his career. Early in Game 1, the Astros offense showed significant power, with Isaac Paredes, Jose Altuve, and Chas Walker all hitting home runs, contributing to an early 6-1 lead for Houston in the top of the 3rd inning, according to CBS Sports and ESPN.
The series continues with Game 2 on Saturday, July 5th, featuring a compelling pitching duel. The Astros are expected to send left-hander Framber Valdez (9-4, 2.72 ERA) to the mound, while the Dodgers have listed right-hander Shohei Ohtani (0-0, 2.25 ERA) as their probable starter. This would mark a significant return to pitching for Ohtani, who has primarily served as a designated hitter in recent seasons. Game 3 is scheduled for Sunday, July 6th. The series carries added weight due to the historical rivalry, including the controversial 2017 World Series, which Houston won. Key players remaining from that series include Jose Altuve and Lance McCullers Jr. for the Astros, and Clayton Kershaw and Enrique Hernandez for the Dodgers.
Both teams are managing notable injury lists. Beyond Alvarez, the Astros are without key players like Ronel Blanco (elbow, out for season) and Jeremy Pena (ribs). The Dodgers also have several players on the injured list, including Blake Snell (shoulder) and Max Muncy (knee). Despite these challenges, both clubs are performing at an elite level, setting the stage for an exciting weekend of baseball.
