Despite the Houston Astros’ triumphant victory in the 2022 World Series led by the sensational Yordan Alvarez, their hopes of retaining the top spot in 2023 have been thwarted by a string of devastating injuries.
The team’s aspirations hit when Jose Altuve, the 2017 MVP and a perennial All-Star, fractured his thumb during the World Baseball Classic, sidelining him for the season’s first two months. Furthermore, the absence of outfielder Michael Brantley, who has been grappling with persistent shoulder problems since June 2022, has further exacerbated the Astros’ struggles.
In a fateful showdown with the Toronto Blue Jays, the Houston Astros faced a devastating blow. The momentous clash saw Yordan Alvarez, the powerhouse slugger, forced to exit the game after his initial at-bat. A sad announcement ensued, revealing that Alvarez’s extraordinary talent would be sidelined for 4 to 6 weeks due to a formidable oblique injury.
Bob Nightengale “Tough news for the Houston #Astros, who were without Jose Altuve for 2 months, still don’t have Michael Brantley, and now are without MVP candidate Yordan Alvarez for 4-6 weeks, targeting late July.” (an article from sportskeeda.com mentioned)
Alvarez bears the burden of fan disdain due to his association with the Houston Astros during the infamous 2017-2018 sign-stealing scandal. Despite his innocence, the team’s dishonest tactics, including the notorious garbage can banging, have left him unfairly unpopular among opposing fans.
As the Astros trail the Texas Rangers by 3.5 games in the AL West, the window of opportunity to narrow the gap dwindles. With Alvarez sidelined, manager Dusty Baker must seek innovative methods to compensate for the diminished run production. Although the team possesses the talent to overcome challenges, the uphill struggle persists for the reigning champions.