Can Astros’ Yordan Alvarez remain healthy, retain early slugging spree?

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Can Astros’ Yordan Alvarez remain healthy, retain early slugging spree? originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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?

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