The Houston Astros will be without their star slugger Yordan Alvarez for the rest of the series against the Seattle Mariners due to a knee injury sustained on Sunday. The Mariners capitalized on this break, defeating the Astros 6-1 on Monday night at Minute Maid Park. This victory brings Seattle’s record to 81-76, keeping their slim playoff hopes alive with five games remaining. Although still 4.0 games behind the Astros in the American League West and 1.5 games back from the Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers in the Wild Card race, Seattle gained a considerable advantage with Alvarez sidelined.
Yordan Alvarez has a right knee sprain and will not play in this series against the Mariners, Joe Espada said. The Astros are not shutting the door on Alvarez returning this regular season.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) September 24, 2024
According to Astros reporter Chandler Rome, Alvarez is dealing with a right knee sprain and will not play in this series. While the Astros haven’t ruled out his return for the regular season, his absence is a significant loss for Houston. Alvarez, one of baseball’s most feared power hitters, is batting .308 this season with 35 home runs and 86 RBI. His history against the Mariners is also notable, as he hit critical home runs in last year’s ALDS, including the game-winning homer in Game 1 and another in Game 2.
While no one wants to see a player injured, the Mariners benefit from not having to face Alvarez, whose presence has been a major threat to them in the past. Game 2 of the series is set for Tuesday night at 5:05 p.m. PT.
