Astros Facing Jose Altuve Decision After Yordan Alvarez Update

Yordan Alvarez Could Rejoin Astros During Upcoming Homestand

On Sunday, an update surfaced on Alvarez’s potential return after he began his rehab assignment earlier this week. Manager Joe Espada announced that Alvarez could rejoin the big-league roster during the team’s upcoming homestand beginning Tuesday.

"Presuming Yordan Alvarez comes out of today’s Double-A game feeling good, there is a “strong possibility” he rejoins the Astros during their homestand that starts on Tuesday, Joe Espada said," wrote The Athletic's Chandler Rome.

Alvarez’s Return Creates Lineup Dilemma for Joe Espada

This comes at a pivotal time for Houston, as they prepare for a playoff push and look to reinsert one of the most feared hitters in the league. Alvarez, a three-time All-Star, has gone 5-for-8 with three doubles and two walks in his first two rehab games for Double-A Corpus Christi.

However, with Altuve primarily handling DH duties in Alvarez’s absence, Espada will need to decide who returns to the field full-time.

Alvarez was already a defensive liability before the injury, making it unlikely he’ll see regular starts in left field. That would force Altuve back to second base full-time, which could be taxing on the aging veteran and potentially impact his offensive production.

It would also push trade deadline acquisition Ramon Urias out of his current infield role, creating a ripple effect across the lineup.

Alvarez’s return will undoubtedly inject power back into the Astros’ offense, but it also presents a challenge for Espada as he balances health, defense, and lineup continuity heading into October.