Astros' Alvarez returning to lineup for 1st time since May

Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez is back in the lineup for Tuesday's contest against the Colorado Rockies after a lengthy absence, the team announced.

Alvarez hasn't suited up since May 2 because of a hand injury. He'll play left field and bat from the cleanup spot in his return.

Alvarez appeared close to returning in early July before encountering a setback. The Astros originally placed him on the injured list with right hand inflammation, but they later discovered a fracture.

The 28-year-old was uncharacteristically hitting .210/.306/.340 with three homers and 18 RBIs before landing on the IL. Alvarez has been one of the league's top power hitters since entering the league in 2019. He surpassed 30 home runs in each of the previous four seasons and owns a career .959 OPS.

Houston holds a 1.5-game lead over the Seattle Mariners atop the AL West.