Houston Astros star Yordan Alvarez remains out for the 2025 season due to ongoing inflammation in his right hand, delaying his comeback. Despite originally being expected to return following a short stay on the 10-day injured list, Alvarez has yet to resume playing. The latest update on his condition highlights promising progress in his recovery.
Astros manager Joe Espada disclosed that the team is facilitating Alvarez’s return by having minor league pitchers throw live batting practice sessions, marking a key stage in his rehabilitation. If Alvarez performs well in these live scenarios, his return to game action could be imminent.
Espada noted the significance of this step:
“That means that, once he’s ready, we’re not going to need a rehab assignment. That will be his way to check that box and be ready for games.” —Joe Espada, Houston Astros manager
More recently, Alvarez took batting practice against a pitching machine and showed encouraging results, according to Espada:
“He’s getting really close. This is the best I’ve seen him and this is the best he’s felt. So, really good news.” —Joe Espada, Houston Astros manager
Yordan Alvarez’s Performance and Injury Impact This Season
In the 2024 season, Alvarez appeared in 147 games with strong statistics, including a .308 batting average, 35 home runs, 86 RBIs, and 88 runs scored. However, the ongoing hand inflammation has limited him to just 29 games in the current 2025 season, where he has posted a .210 batting average along with three home runs and 18 RBIs. His slowed recovery has clearly affected his on-field contributions.
Alvarez has openly shared his frustrations about the injury and the resulting time away from the lineup. Reflecting on his experience, he said:
“Obviously… it’s been a little bit frustrating being on the IL because of my hand. This is not a secret how difficult it is for a hitter to be dealing with hand pain. I’ve played hurt before, but obviously now with inflammation it’s a little bit different.” —Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros outfielder
“This is something delicate. I could have returned before but as soon as we saw the hand and how it reacted because of the inflammation, that’s why it’s been a little bit more time than I anticipated.” —Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros outfielder
Astros Maintain Competitive Stand Despite Alvarez’s Absence
Even with Alvarez sidelined, the Astros have remained competitive in the AL West. The team recently secured consecutive wins against the Oakland Athletics and currently holds second place in the division, trailing the Seattle Mariners with a record of 30–25. The team continues to prepare for Alvarez’s return, which could bolster their lineup as the season progresses.
Alvarez’s recovery and potential re-entry into the roster are closely watched developments that could impact the Astros’ playoff prospects. His ability to face live pitching successfully during simulated at-bats is a key indicator of his readiness to return without requiring a minor league rehab stint.