Facing Boston Red Sox starter Ranger Suarez on May 30 at Daikin Park, Yordan Alvarez connected on his second home run during the Houston Astros’ initial five regular-season games.
Seeking a return to his 2022 form, the oft-injured slugger continues to work to put last season’s struggles behind him. The 28-year-old native of Cuba entered Sunday’s series finale against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park with an MLB-best 1.474 OPS.
Through the opening 10 days this season, Alvarez, who posted a disappointing .430 slugging percentage in ‘25, continues to prove to be one of the league’s top designated hitters.
But, as always, with Alvarez, a question hovers over his early performances.
Can he remain healthy?
Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez starts season healthy, productive
Throughout his eight-year MLB career, Alvarez has appeared in more than 135 games only twice. Last season, the two-time All-Star endured a fractured hand and ankle sprain and dressed for 48, hitting .273 with six homers and 27 RBI.
During career-best ‘22, Alvarez, a four-time 30-plus home run hitter, connected on 37 homers, placing third in AL MVP voting.
For Sunday’s outing, Alvarez was slotted to bat second for the AL West-leading Astros (6-3). Left-hander Jacob Lopez (0-1) was slated to start for the Athletics (2-6).
With 11 hits during his opening 26 at-bats, Alvarez certainly is making an early bid for a second AL Silver Slugger honor.
But the question remains: can he remain healthy?