Will Yordan Alvarez play outfield for the Astros in 2026?

The Astros plan for Yordan Alvarez to primarily play as a designated hitter, limiting his time in the outfield to manage health.

Is Yordan Alvarez healthy for spring training?

Yes, Yordan Alvarez is expected to be ready for spring training after recovering from a severe left ankle sprain.

How will Alvarez's DH role affect the Astros' lineup?

Alvarez's full-time DH role presents lineup construction challenges for manager Joe Espada, especially concerning other players like Isaac Paredes.

Home / Sports / Alvarez Shifts to DH: Astros Prioritize Health

Alvarez Shifts to DH: Astros Prioritize Health

9 Dec

•

Summary

Yordan Alvarez will likely play mostly designated hitter in the upcoming season.
The Astros aim to reduce his time in the field to prevent injuries.
Alvarez is expected to be ready for spring training after an ankle injury.

Alvarez Shifts to DH: Astros Prioritize Health

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada indicated that Yordan Alvarez is expected to spend the majority of the upcoming season as the designated hitter. This decision reflects the team's commitment to managing Alvarez's health after he started more games at DH than in left field during the injury-shortened 2025 season.

The primary motivation behind this change is to prevent injuries by limiting Alvarez's exposure to the rigors of playing in the outfield. Keeping Alvarez healthy is paramount to maintaining the strength of the Astros' lineup, although it does introduce complexities for Espada when constructing the batting order.

Despite suffering a severe left ankle sprain that concluded his 2025 season early, general manager Dana Brown has assured that Alvarez will be fully prepared for the start of spring training. This proactive approach underscores the team's focus on maximizing their star player's performance and longevity.