Yordan Alvarez (hand) is taking batting practice before Thursday’s game against the Athletics.
Alvarez is being watched in BP by general manager Dana Brown and manager Joe Espada. The 27-year-old slugger has been out of action since the start of May with inflammation in his right hand, but it’s a very positive development that he’s able to participate in batting practice. He’ll likely need a rehab assignment, but assuming no setbacks, Alvarez could be back for Houston by the middle of June, possibly sooner.