2025 Injury Report: Updates on Alvarez, Contreras, Sale

The first-place Astros have maintained top status in the AL West amidst a slew of injuries. Namely, Houston’s been without Yordan Alvarez for nearly two full months after he hurt his hand in April. Unfortunately for the Astros, Alvarez will be out for a longer period of time.

Alvarez shut down again

For the second time this season, Yordan Alvarez suffered a setback amidst his recovery from a hand fracture.

The 28-year-old was shut down yet again after experiencing soreness while swinging a bat.

Alvarez has been on the shelf since the beginning of May with a hand injury. It turned out to be a small fracture that wasn’t discovered until the end of May.

General manager Dana Brown stated Alvarez will see a hand specialist as he looked to get back on the field again this season. The team won’t know whether he needs surgery until he sees the specialist.

Sale out until at least August

The Braves transferred Chris Sale from the 15-day IL to the 60-day IL, ensuring the left-hander won’t return until at least the middle of August.

Sale injured himself last month against the Mets after making a diving play towards a ground ball hit by Juan Soto.

And, it does mean Sale is likelier to stay with the Braves past July, even though the team’s front office doubled down last month and stated the 2024 Cy Young winner was not on the market.

Contreras leaves game versus Pirates

Cardinals first baseman Willson Contreras left the team’s game on July 1 after he hit by a pitch against the Pirates.