Astros breathe a sigh of relief: Yordan Álvarez begins rehabilitation in the Minor Leagues

The 28-year-old outfielder and designated hitter has not played in Major League Baseball since May 2, due to a series of medical complications.

Yordan ÁlvarezPhoto © X/@MLBONFOX

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The Cuban slugger Yordan Álvarez will begin his rehabilitation process in the Minor Leagues this Tuesday, as confirmed by the Houston Astros manager, Joe Espada.

According to a post on the social network X by FOX Sports, the slugger from Las Tunas will begin his rehabilitation assignment after being placed on the injured list on May 5 due to a fracture in his right hand.

The 28-year-old outfielder and designated hitter has not played in the Major Leagues since May 2, after experiencing a series of medical complications.

He was first diagnosed with a muscle strain in his right hand; later, he was diagnosed with a fracture of the fourth metacarpal, which was exacerbated by swelling and a relapse that prolonged his absence.

The Houston organization is confident that Álvarez can complete this preparation period without setbacks and, according to Espada, his return to MLB could happen soon.

The Cuban has been a key player in the Astros' offense since his debut in 2019, and his return is a relief for a team looking to strengthen its lineup as the season approaches its final stretch.

Pure talent

In 29 games played in 2025, he is batting .210, with 3 home runs, 18 RBIs, and an on-base percentage of .306, figures that contrast with his recent years of high performance.

In 2024, the Cuban slugger had a strong performance with a .308 batting average, .392 OBP, 35 home runs, and 86 RBIs in 147 games, which led to his third consecutive All-Star selection and a ninth-place finish in the MVP voting for the American League.

In addition, Álvarez has recorded an OPS of at least .959 in each of the last three seasons, establishing himself as one of the most feared hitters in the league. Last year, he ranked fourth in the American League in that key offensive category.

Frequently Asked Questions about Yordan Álvarez's Return to the Minor Leagues

Why was Yordan Álvarez placed on the injured list?

Yordan Álvarez has been placed on the injured list due to a fracture in his right hand. Initially, he was diagnosed with a muscle strain in the same hand, which later worsened into a fracture of the fourth metacarpal. Additionally, he suffered from inflammation and a setback, which extended his time away from the playing field.

When will Yordan Álvarez begin his rehabilitation process?

Yordan Álvarez will begin his rehabilitation process in the Minor Leagues this Tuesday. The manager of the Houston Astros, Joe Espada, confirmed that Álvarez will start this new phase to fully recover and return to MLB as soon as possible.

What has Yordan Álvarez's performance been like in the 2025 season before his injury?

Before his injury, Yordan Álvarez had a slow start to the season, with a batting average of .210 in 29 games. He had hit 3 home runs, driven in 18 runs, and achieved an on-base percentage of .306. These figures stand in stark contrast to his high performance in previous years, such as in 2024, when he finished with a batting average of .308 and 35 home runs.

What importance does Yordan Álvarez have for the Houston Astros?

Yordan Álvarez is a key player in the Houston Astros' offense. Since his debut in 2019, he has been instrumental to the team, particularly due to his ability to hit home runs and drive in runs. His recovery is essential to bolster the Astros' lineup as the season reaches its final stretch.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.