HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Astros are facing the potential absence of their star player, Yordan Alvarez, for a minimum of four weeks due to a strained right oblique.
On Wednesday, General Manager Dana Brown confirmed the diagnosis after Alvarez underwent an MRI.
“We are confident that he will return within the next four weeks, given the MRI results indicating a strain,” Brown stated. “Fortunately, Alvarez is progressing well and experiencing minimal discomfort. He is not experiencing pain even during activities such as coughing, which is an encouraging sign.”
Brown acknowledged that oblique injuries can be challenging to manage.
“We will have a better understanding of his condition after two weeks,” Brown explained. “By the three-week mark, we should have more concrete information. While it’s difficult to predict with certainty, it’s crucial to allow sufficient time for the oblique to heal properly. The recovery period can vary, but it appears that Alvarez is on track. The current estimation is around four weeks, but we anticipate his full recovery.”
Last Friday, Alvarez, who ranks second in the majors with 55 RBIs, was placed on the 10-day injured list. This move followed his early exit from the game against the Blue Jays last Thursday, where he only had one at-bat.
Alvarez has been an impactful player this season, boasting a batting average of .277 along with 17 home runs in 57 games. His stellar performance last season earned him a spot on the All-Star team.