Astros slugger Jordan Alvarez takes time off after hand discomfort reappears

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida. Houston Astros star Jordan Alvarez won’t be swinging a bat anytime soon after his Hand injury flared up to start spring training.

The injury is nothing new for the team’s batsman after the problem persisted throughout last season. As long as it not expected to jeopardize his status on Opening DayAlvarez wants to be careful.

“The hand became a little inflamed in the offseason. Alvarez said through his translator Jenla Herrera. “We’re going to take a couple of days off here, like I did during the off-season, to get ready, but that won’t be a problem during the season.”

Alvarez, 25, also said he prefers to miss time now rather than during the season and expects to start hitting in a few days. Last season, Alvarez managed a .306 batting average and hit a career-high 37 home runs. He also had 97 RBI, leading him to third place in AL MVP voting.

Several other storylines emerged during spring training Monday, including new Astros general manager Dana Brown’s wish that Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman end their H-Town careers. Both stars are currently signed for the 2024 season.

Altuva, who turns 33 this season, is not opposed to the idea.

“I loved it when he said that,” Altuve said of Brown’s comments. “I have spent my entire career here and hope to end my career here. We are on the same wave. I’m happy to play with my teammates in Houston and the fans, as I always say.”

As for Bregman, the 28-year-old said he was intrigued by free will but also added that he loves Houston.

“I love people,” Bregman said. “I don’t have any information about it, but he (Dana Brown) and Scott (Boras) are going to talk and Scott will tell me when they do.”

Houston will play the New York Mets on Saturday, Feb. 25 to kick off spring training.

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