Alvarez is also built for the moment and he’s thrived under high-pressure situations, playing a pivotal role in eliminating the Mariners from the playoffs in 2022 in the ALDS—smacking a three-run walk-off blast in Game 1. Houston went on to win a World Series title a few weeks later.

For ESPN MLB writer Bradford Doolittle, the key to the Astros' postseason run potentially ending in a World Series title is whether or not Alvarez can return to form once he's activated later this season.

N EW YORK - Yordan Alvarez is hitting on the field but still limited to coach-thrown batting practice at the Houston Astros ' minor-league Florida complex in his attempt to return from a right hand injury, manager Joe Espada said Friday.

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada announced Yordan Alvarez news before Friday's game against the New York Yankees.

Yordan Alvarez is still awaiting his return from his hand injury, Isaac Paredes is out for the time being with a hamstring, Jeremy Pena has spent a little bit on the injured list, and now closer Josh Hader has hit the list.