
Yordan Alvarez has muscle strain at the top of his right hand. Astros hopeful he could return soon
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez has a strained muscle at the top of his right hand, a diagnosis that instills optimism he won't have a prolonged stay on the injured list.
The three-time All-Star went on the 10-day injured list Monday, retroactive to Saturday, and returned to Houston for an MRI that revealed the muscle strain.
'We look at it as good news,' Astros manager Joe Espada said before their Wednesday afternoon game with the Milwaukee Brewers. Houston Astros' Yordan Alvarez (44) hits a sacrifice fly to San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr., not pictured, scoring Cam Smith during the fifth inning of a baseball game Sunday, April 20, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Karen Warren)
Espada expressed hope that Alvarez wouldn't have to stay on the injured list longer than the required 10 days. He also said the hand issue may have played a role in Alvarez's slow start.
Alvarez, 27, is hitting .210 with a .306 on-base percentage, three homers and 18 RBIs in 29 games this season. He batted .308 with a .392 on-base percentage, 35 homers and 86 RBIs in 147 games last year while ranking ninth in the AL Most Valuable Player balloting.
He has posted an OPS of at least .959 and has finished 13th or higher in the MVP voting each of the last three seasons.
'Once he heals, once he gets back, I think we'll see a more aggressive at bat and be not as cautious,' Espada said. 'I think it had something to do with it, yes.'
His potential return could go a long way toward boosting an Astros lineup that hasn't been as productive as usual this season. The Astros entered Wednesday's action ranked 21st in the majors in runs (136) and 23rd in OPS (.676). Houston has ranked 11th or better in both those categories each of the last four seasons.
Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter
Winnipeg Jets Game Days
On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Sign up for The Warm-Up
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Winnipeg Free Press
35 minutes ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Aaron Judge homers in third straight game, Clarke Schmidt dazzles as Yankees beat the Royals, 6-3
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Aaron Judge homered for the third consecutive game, Clarke Schmidt allowed just two hits over six innings, and the New York Yankees cruised to a 6-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night. Paul Goldschmidt added a pair of RBIs during a five-run second inning for New York, which improved to 5-0 against the Royals this season. The Yankees are are 12-3 against them since the start of last season, including their playoff series win. Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer during a three-run ninth for Kansas City. Schmidt (3-3) allowed one runner to reach second base, and that was courtesy of his own balk that advanced Maikel Garcia in the first inning. He also struck out seven to remain unbeaten in six regular-season appearances against the Royals. Devin Williams got the final two outs for his eighth save. Kris Bubic (5-4) looked like he might be in for a duel with Schmidt after a perfect first inning. But he proceeded to allow five runs on four hits and two walks during the second, and ultimately six hits and four walks in just 4 1/3 innings. Judge's homer off Steven Cruz came on the heels of a two-homer game Sunday against Boston and a 469-foot shot in the series opener against Kansas City on Tuesday night. The two-time MVP has eight RBIs over the three-game span. Until Perez's homer, the biggest highlight for the Royals came in the fifth inning, when the Yankees loaded the bases with one out. DJ LeMahieu hit a sharp grounder to third base, where Garcia fielded it while falling to his rump. He threw to second from his back side, and a relay by Jonathan India to first base resulted in an inning-ending double play. Key moment Jazz Chisholm, who later left the game with left groin tightness, drew a walk in the second inning after plate umpire Lance Barrett called what would have been the third strike a questionable ball. The Yankees capitalized on their fortunes, sending 10 batters to the plate in what became the decisive inning. Key stat Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. The Royals (34-34) are 10-18 after going on a 16-2 run in April and May. Up next Yankees RHP Will Warren (4-3, 5.34) starts the series finale Thursday night. RHP Seth Lugo (3-5, 3.46) goes for Kansas City. ___ AP MLB:


Winnipeg Free Press
35 minutes ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Fiji names Salesi Rayasi for Wallabies and Scotland tests
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Former Super Rugby winger Salesi Rayasi has been named in Fiji's 32-man squad to play Australia and Scotland in rugby tests next month. The 28-year-old played six seasons in Super Rugby for the Wellington-based Hurricanes and now plays for Vannes in France's Top 14. He played for the New Zealand sevens team before switching nations to play for Fiji, following his father Felipe who played 13 test for Fiji in the 1990s. Australia's test against Fiji at Newcastle on July 6 will be the Wallabies' only warm-up for their three-test series against the British and Irish Lions. Fiji will then play Scotland in Suva on July 12. 'Both Australia and Scotland are established Tier One sides and we know the level we need to rise to,' Fiji head coach Mick Byrne said in naming his squad Wednesday. 'This squad reflects the depth and strength of Fiji rugby and we will give a performance that will make all Fijians proud.' The Fiji squad included 13 players who played for the Fijian Drua in Super Rugby this season and 10 players based in France. 'We've focused on combinations that give us both tactical adaptability and the trademark Fijian spirit,' Byrne said. 'We want to win but more importantly, we want to win playing our brand of rugby.' ___ Fiji squad: Forwards: Eroni Mawi, Luke Tagi, Haereiti Hetet, Mesake Doge, Peni Ravai, Tevita Ikanivere, Samuel Mativesi, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua, Setareki Turagacoke, Viliame Mata, Elia Canakaivata, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Albert Tuisue, Etonia Waqa, Motikai Murray. Backs: Simione Kuruvoli, Philip Baselala, Sam Wye, Caleb Muntz, Isaia Armstrong-Ravula, Vilimoni Botitu, Josua Tuisova, Iosefo Masikau Baleiwairiki, Sireli Maqala, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Ponipate Loganimasi, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Salesi Rayasi. ___ AP rugby:


Toronto Sun
2 hours ago
- Toronto Sun
McIntosh breaks own world record in 400-metre individual medley
Published Jun 11, 2025 • 1 minute read Canada's Summer Mcintosh holds a trophy for the Athlete of the Year at the World Short Course Swimming Championships in Budapest, Hungary, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. Photo by Denes Erdos / AP VICTORIA — Teen sensation Summer McIntosh has broken yet another record at the Canadian Swimming Trials. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The 18-year-old from Toronto swam the 400-metre individual medley in four minutes 23.65 seconds, breaking the world record 4:24.38 she set at the Olympic trials in Toronto last May. It's the third time McIntosh has set a new world record at this year's Canadian trials, after she posted a new mark in the 200m individual medley on Monday and in the 400m freestyle on Saturday. Read More She also broke her own Canadian records in the 800m freestyle Sunday, finishing in 8:05.07 — nearly five seconds faster than her previous time — and in the 200m butterfly on Tuesday. McIntosh also holds the world record in the 200m butterfly. She won three gold and one silver at the Paris Olympics last summer, becoming the first Canadian to take three gold at a single Games. RECOMMENDED VIDEO Celebrity NHL Editorial Cartoons Toronto Maple Leafs Columnists